7-09-2012 by The Phuket News

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hreatening to commit suicide after the breakdown of his marriage, Trang man Satien Promsang climbed to the top of a large advertisement for Brand’s Essence health drink alongside the Dara hotel at the busy Darasamuth intersection, near Central Festival, at around 1pm on Monday (August 3). Called to the scene, police and Kusondharm Foundation volunteers positioned an inflatable airbag

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on the ground to cushion his fall if he decided to jump. Police contacted his wife, who pleaded with him by phone to come down, and at about 2.30pm that is what he did. With tears streaming down his face, but speaking not a word to those gathered, he was led to an ambulance from the Phuket Ruamjai Foundation and whisked away.

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GET OUT OF THE PARK Encroachment charges filed against five ‘owners’ Paritta Wangkiat reporter3@thephuketnews.com

ollowing visits from the team led by Damrong ‘the Demolisher’ Pidech, La Colline Villa Development Co is reported to have demolished temporary structures on land outside the boundaries of the project and inside the Sirinart Marine National Park. Park chief Cheewapap Cheewatham said on Friday (August 31) that the investigation team from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plants (DNP) had filed a complaint with Cherng Talay Police Station accusing La Colline of encroaching on nine rai of the national park. The encroachment included an area of four rai being used for materials storage, and another five rai being used for a

workers’ camp. The developers have since removed all the temporary structures.

On Wednesday (September 8) DNP officials filed another complaint with Cherng Talay Police Station against LandState Co and Bangtao Beach Co, alleging that they encroach on five rai of land inside the Sirinart Marine National Park, beyond the boundaries shown on land papers they hold. The complaint alleges that board members of the companies, Kazunori Ijihashi and Koijiro Hiroichi from Japan had encroached on the park, clearing land for roads, drainage and a pond without permission. Mr Cheewapap said the two companies hold five land papers covering 99 rai of land in the south of the park.

Sirinart Park chief Cheewapap Cheewatham surveys the land cleared by the developers of La Colline for worker accommodation and storage. La Colline has now removed all structures, leaving the former forest bare. The 99 rai encircles five rai of land in the middle that has no land papers.

The land “owners” will be invited to demonstrate that they have done no wrong. Mr Cheewapap added that the five land papers for the 99 rai would be investigated later to establish their legitimacy. According to the DNP’s investigations, only two pieces of land were permitted by the DNP in 1964 to be occupied by individuals, before the declaration of Khao Ruak-Khao Pang Forest Preserve in 1965, as the owners of the two land plots were able to prove the legitimacy of their ownership. Apart from the two who held land papers, more than 100 individuals and villagers claimed rights to land in the forest preserve before it was established. However, their claims were rejected by the authori-

ties because they were unable to provide proof of ownership. Some of the claimants were charged with forest encroachment while others received compensation in exchange for quitting the land. After the declaration of Khao Ruak-Khao Pang Forest Preserve, the Sirinart Marine National Park was established in 1981, reinforcing the DNP’s belief that the large number of people claiming ownership now are in the wrong. “Technically, only those two pieces of land can be owned by individuals today,” said Mr Cheewapap. “However, we have to research the history of each site claimed to see whether the claimants legitimately own the land. “If they are right, they

are right. If they are wrong, they are wrong.” He added that the DNP has also filed complaints against Peninsula Resort and Phuket Nai Thon Arcadia, which it alleges built in areas beyond the land papers they hold. A private villa owned by Frenchman Bernard Gaultier next to Trisara was reported to police by the DNP as well, as the owner of the land is allegedly encroaching on the park. Three other parcels of land claimed by Three Dolphins (Trisara), Central and City Development (West Sands) and the Andaman White Beach Resort are still under investigation by the DNP to see whether they have been built out beyond the boundaries shown on their land papers. Mr Cheewapap said four other pieces of land owned by Sureesamrit (Malaiwana), Pavilion Beach Resort Co (Imperial Adamas Resort) and Layan Phuket (Layan Beach Resort), and a plot owned by “an individual” next to the Peninsula Resort had been checked and were found not to encroach into the national park beyond the edge of the land shown on their land papers. The clear results of the probes into these four pieces of land will be soon announced officially. All 11 properties, however, are still under investigation to try to determine the legitimacy of their land papers. These complex investigations are expected to continue on past the September 15 deadline set by Mr Damrong.

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2012

MR MAYOR PHUKET NEWS

Pian Keesin wins Patong election

T Dressed like a torch singer, Gig performs in the TGT final.

Proud of you! IN A DISAPPOINTING FINish to the Thailand’s Got Talent 2012 TV show on Sunday (September 2), neither of the two Phuket competitors managed to claim the top prize. That prestige, along with B5 million, went to Leng Rachanikorn Keawdee from Isarn, an aerial acrobat. Pintsize pop star Warunee ‘Gig’ Suwannurak took to the stage – resplendent in a black cocktail dress – looking every inch the sultry, sexy singing sensation that she so clearly now is. She was unrecogniseable from the rather shy and softly-spoken young woman from the earlier TGT audi-

tions, so it was a rather odd decision that she chose to reprise her audition song What’s Up by the 4 Non Blondes in the final. The other Phuket contestant, Romadon Suriyan, was as energetic and captivating as ever. For his grand final performance he favoured a more rural, rugged and rustic form of expression as opposed to the myriad of colours from his earlier efforts. It was rather hard to follow. Suffice to say there was mud and there was Romadon. Then there was muddy Romadon. Both Phuket artists can return to the island with their heads held high.

he incumbent Mayor of Patong Municipality, Pian Keesin, won elections on Sunday (September 2), to give him a third term in office. About 63 per cent of the town’s 12,831 registered voters turned out to vote, handing Mr Pian personally 53 per cent of the tally, and electing an overwhelming 17 of 18 members of his Rak Patong (Love Patong) Party to the town council. The remaining seat went to the rival Patong Kao Na (Advance Patong) Party, in the person of its leader Kittisan Kuru. The Director of the Phuket Office of the Election Commission (ECT), Kitthipong Tiangkunakrit, said on Monday that so far, the ECT has received no complaints about vote-buying or other shenanigans. “No problems at all arose: from the time elections were announced till election day, no one complained of corruption in its various forms.” Asked to comment on sto-

Pian Keesin will soon begin his third term as mayor. ries that people living in other provinces had registered in Patong in order to vote, and

that a mere seven houses in the city apparently serve as homes to over 400 people on

the voter rolls, Kittipongs said he knew nothing about it. “We’ve received no information about that,” he said, “but anyone with knowledge of this can make a complaint in writing to the Phuket Provincial Election Board. “A responsible official is always standing by to receive complaints during this period.” Despite appearances, Patong has only 12,831 registered voters, 8,143 of whom voted in the election. This will be the third term in office for Mayor Pian, who pushed past Kittisan by 4,352 votes to 3,154. However, Mayor Pian will have to wait for about a month before officially sitting back down in the mayoral seat. According to election procedure, a formal result of the election will be announced only at the beginning of next month, after the votes have been confirmed by the Election Commission in Bangkok. Kathu police made several arrests for selling alcohol illegally during the polling period.

French tourist dies in high-speed bike smash A FRENCH TOURIST ON a motorbike died at 4am on Monday (September 3) after he apparently misjudged his line at high speed and hit the inside of a bend in front of the Phuket Hilton Arcadia Resort and Spa in Karon. Police named the dead man

as Ludovi Didier Donny, 37, who had arrived in Phuket just hours before. His passenger, Jerome Sebastien Heras, 35, also from France, was severely injured. He was taken initially to Patong Hospital then transferred to Vachira Phuket Hospital.

Pol Lt Col Boon ler t Onklang said that both men had checked into the Valero guest house in Patong the previous day. Based on the injured passenger’s high blood alcohol level, Col Boonlert said he believed the duo had prob-

ably been out drinking and were on their way back to the guesthouse when the crash happened. The bike was a rented 400cc Yamaha. Looking at the condition of the bike after the smash, he said Mr Donny must have been driving at high speed.

Romadon emerges at the start of his performance.

11 Prawn-Fish gamblers caught POLICE FROM PHUKET town and the Provincial Investigations Division swooped on a group of gamblers in a “jungle casino” last week, after being tipped off by an informant. Led by Phuket Town Investigations Division inspector Pol Lt Col Prawit Engchuan, they surrounded the wooded site off Soi Kingkaew in Rassada, where they found punters absorbed in playing Goong-Pla (Prawn-Fish), a Thai game of chance involving a mat with images of prawns, fish, crabs and flowers – on which bets are placed using markers. Seized as evidence were the mat, markers, a dark blue pen, a notebook used to keep track of moves, a plate and

cover, B1,400 in cash and a table. Thirteen people, ranging in age from 24 to 66, were arrested and taken to Phuket Town station for booking. All confessed to charges of “gambling for property without permission”. Police said a number of others escaped into the brush. The game’s organiser was not identified, nor was it reported how long the jungle casino had been operating. Goong-Pla is the most popula r local ga mbli ng game. Jungle casinos have sprung up in the past decade after police carried out continuous crackdowns on casinos with fixed premises. – Source: Siang Tai

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2012

B5.8bn airport revamp takes off this month Tanyaluk Sakoot reporter4@thephuketnews.com

ork w ill beg i n this month on the expansion of the Phuket International Airport, almost doubling its passenger capacity from the current official figure of 6.5 million a year to 12.5 million, the Deputy Director of Airports of Thailand (AoT), Wing Commander Prathip Vijitthor, announced last Friday (August 31). A new international passenger terminal is to be built, capable of handling 5 million arrivals and departures a year, while the current terminal building will be for domestic travel only, and will be modified to handle 7.5 million passenger movements. The number of aircraft stands will increase from 15 to 25, with the number of airbridges being increased to 12 from the current seven. The work, costing B5.79 billion, will take 31 months to complete – until around April 2015. Phase 1 will consist of building the new international terminal, which will take about a year. Once that is in use, modifications to the old terminal will begin. Although the capacity of the existing airport is 6.5 million passengers, last year 8.4 million went in or out through the existing terminal. W/Cdr Prathip added that the plans have been drawn to ensure that passengers and construction will be kept apart during modification of the current terminal. But inevitably facilities will be

Above, the airport as it will look from the east. Below, the entrance to the Immigration desks – which are likely to be a great deal more crowded than the image suggests.

cramped while work goes on. “If it is not comfortable, all I can do in this case is to offer my regrets,” he added. It will get worse before it gets better. W/Cdr Prathip said he expects this year to see an 11 per cent increase in passenger flows, for a total of 9.3 million. If each year sees a similar growth, the revamped airport

will reach capacity at about the same time as the modifications are completed, leading one local pundit to remark that it will be “dead on arrival”. In addition to expansion of the terminal, the work will include expanding the length of taxiway and enlarging the car park from 500 to 1,500 parking spaces.

Sino-Thai Engineering and Construction has been announced as main contractor for the expansion project. No mention was made at the briefing of Immigration Police plans to handle the rapidly increasing number of passengers – currently one of the major bottlenecks in the airport.

New police commander for Phuket THE COMMANDER OF Narathiwat Provincial Police, Maj Gen Chote Chawanwiwat, will move to become commander of Phuket on October 1, as part of the annual reshuffle of senior police officers. He will replace Pol Maj Gen Chonasit Wattanavrangkul, who will become Commissioner of Inspection Division 9, under the Office of the Inspector General in Bangkok, after just eight months in Phuket. Gen Chonasit, too, was previously in the deep south, as commander of Songkhla. The moves were announ ced by the Royal Thai Police on August 29 after a meeting of the Office of the Police Commission (OPC) chaired by Deputy Prime Minister

Bound for Bangkok: Maj Gen Chonasit Wattanavrangkul. Chalerm Yubamrung, at which around 80 police commanders around Thailand were moved

to new posts. The meeting was controversial, with one of the five senior members of the Commission walking out in reaction to what he alleged was political interference in the reshuffle. Pol Gen Achirawit Suphanphesat, a former Deputy Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police, said walking out that the reshuffle had been “interfered with by a political figure” and was not based on merit alone. He gave as an example the case of the Commander of Nakorn Sri Thammarat Provincial Police, Maj Gen Ronnapong Saikeaw, who, he said, had done outstanding work in wiping out a drug network in Nakorn Sri Thammarat prison.

But, he noted, Gen Ronnapong was not promoted to the post of a Deputy Commander of Police Region 8 as Gen Achirawit had expected. Instead, the OPC had promoted another, younger officer to that post. After the meeting, Deputy PM Chalerm told media that the reshuffle was “appropriate” and there were “no problems”. Gen Achirawit caused rumours to fly in 2007 when he resigned as deputy police chief of the country after his boss, Gen Kowit Wattana, was sidelined by the postcoup government of Surayud Chulanonda. He denied that he was resigning to show his support for Gen Kowit.

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2012

Koh Lone villagers to get hydro power A

fter a three-year wait, villagers on Koh Lone in Chalong Bay are finally to get some green, clean power – not a lot, but better than none. “We’ve been seeking help from the authorities for several years,” said the Headman of Koh Lone, Manit Yotharak. “Finally, it’s happened.” By March next year, villagers will have a small hydroelectric power plant, set up on Klong Tone on the east of the island, which will be able to generate up to six kilowatts of electricity, enough to power 220 36-Watt fluorescent light – though only in the rainy season when the flow of water in the klong is strong. The new power source will bring eco-friendly power to the island’s 106 households, who currently depend on a diesel generator and solar cells, many of which are not working because of a lack of funds for maintenance. The cost of running the generator on the island has been a heavy burden on the villagers, most of whom earn

Too far to bring a cable: Phuket seen from a beach on Koh Lone. a living agriculture or fishing. Each household has had to pay B2,000 a month, but even that provides for only four hours’ power supply a night. The hydro project, costing B1.8 million, is being funded by the Department of Alternative Energy Development and Efficiency (DAEDE) in the Ministry of Energy. When the project is completed, the DAEDE hopes that Koh Lone will become

a model for alternative ecofriendly solutions for other islands that have no access to mains electricity. For example, the villagers of Koh Maphrao, east of Phuket City, have been lobbying for authorities to honour government promises to provide them with mains electricity through a B46million submarine power cable project, which was approved during the last Democrat

government. That project was due to be completed in October this year, but work has not even started. On Koh Lone, Mr Manit noted that once the hydro project is up and running, villagers will need to think about the cost of maintenance. He said they may set up a committee to raise maintenance funds, either from villagers or from appropriate government bodies.

PHUKET NEWS

Health office: ‘Do not drink diet coffee’ THE PHUKET HEALTH Office (PHO) has announced that 19 brands of so-called “slimming coffees” are banned in Thailand and has warned people not to drink them because they contain a substance that may aggravate heart disease and high blood pressure. Somnuk Itasem, a pharmacist with the PHO, said that 19 brands of slimming coffee had been found on sale in Thailand, mostly in the southern border provinces. The instant slimming coffees, he explained, all contain sibutramine, an oral anorexiant, which has been banned in Thailand since 2010. Sibutramine, developed by Knoll Pharmaceuticals, and was prescribed as a remedy for obesity. It was found to be connected to a rise of heart attacks and strokes among users, and is now banned in many countries, including Thailand.

“We have not yet found these dangerous coffees [in retail outlets] in Phuket, but usually they are sold by one person to another. So we want to warn people about this kind of coffee,” Mr Somnuk said. Some of these instant coffees are packed in large sealed cans. Other come in sealed cardboard packs. Some of the 19 brands are labelled in Chinese or Russian, or a mixture of languages, Mr Somnuk said. Others car r y rou nd purple labels stating “Slimming Coffee” or “Reduce Weight Coffee”; red and brown triangles stating “Slimming Coffee”; or red labels stating, in Thai, “Miracle Coffee 26 days 26 days skinny skinny fat burn body fat burn slimming coffee” or words to that effect. He asked that anyone coming across such coffees for sale in Phuket should report the matter to the PHO by calling 076-21130.

Veg Fest leaders worry about price gouging W I T H T H E A N N UA L Vegetarian Festival fast approaching, vegetarian food sellers are alarmed about the swiftly rising prices of vegetables, rice and cooking oil, and have asked the Provincial Government to give them a subsidy to offset profiteering by suppliers. At a meeting with Governor Tri Augkaradacha to discuss arrangements for this year’s festival, Prasert Fakthongphol, chairman of Phuket Chinese

Shrines Association said that vegetable prices always rise as the festival approaches. This year the price gouging has reached a point where the vegetarian food sellers could no longer manage, he said. Gov Tri listened to their complaint and ordered relevant officials to look into the situation. He said that support was unlikely this year, because the festival is just six weeks from now and there is no budget set aside for this. He suggested

that, next time, they make such requests much earlier. Police at the meeting brought up two safety concerns: flags along the roadside, which cut visibility for traffic and cause accidents, and the uncontrolled use of firecrackers – including children throwing fireworks at police officers. The governor agreed that these should be controlled and also asked the police to make extra efforts to control pickpockets.

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2012

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huket business people are seeking clarity about how regulations will be applied to domestic and international business after the launch of the Asean Economic Community (AEC) in 2015. The AEC will usher in regional economic integration aimed at creating a single market and single production base to develop the regional economy. The concept was first proposed in 2002 during the Asean summit in Cambodia and was officially approved at another Asean summit two years later in Laos. For the AEC to become reality, widespread reforms of laws and regulations are expected in each member country. Local concern was apparent at a “Preparing for AEC Brainstorm” seminar at the Phuket Merlin Hotel on Tuesday (September 4), with many saying they have yet to see clearly how the government will reform regulations in preparation for 2015. “So far, there is no panic about AEC, but that’s because we don’t yet know what the AEC regulations will be,” said the President of the Phuket Tourist Association, Ponganun Suwannakarn. Especially in Phuket’s hospitality industry, the big question is whether the reforms will truly benefit local business people.

Korakod Padungjit of the Federation of Thai Industries: ‘Phuket people should get involved in the regulatory reform process.’ Mr Ponganun tried to be optimistic about the AEC, believing it may create more options for hospitality investors because of the free flow of skilled labor from one member-country to another. He added that the possibility that foreign participation in local companies will increase to 70 per cent, along with the requirement of a minimum B2 billion investment and at least 100 units included in resorts or hotels has the potential to create a high-class destination in Phuket. This requirement will filter qualified tourists for Phuket, he said. With such a high Asian shareholding, however, many local business people have expressed concern about the possibility of interference by

non-Asean investors who may take this chance to expand their investment in Thailand through nominees from other Asean countries. “We have to see how much freedom is offered [to Asian investors] through the reforms by the government and other nations,” said Korakod Padungjit, a board member of the Federation of Thai Industries. “We hope the government will try their best to protect the wellbeing of Thai citizens after the AEC comes into being.” Because of Phuket’s high potential to attract more investors, Mr Korakod said degradation of the island’s natural resources would be the major concern. With the influx of people after AEC, there may be problems with land use on the island and inadequate infrastructure.

Regulatory reform would have to play a major role in preventing and controlling possible problems after 2015. With the government keeping regulatory reform close to its chest, resulting in a lack of clarity about how local business people should adjust in order to prepare for the AEC, Mr Korakod suggested that Phuket people could take part in designing the new or changed regulations. “The AEC concept has been in existence for 10 years, but we’ve only recently become enthusiastic about it,” said Mr Korakod. He hoped that the brainstorming seminar Tuesday would encourage local business people to write up their own proposals for regulatory reform to be passed to the government.

Kata next for security zone WITH PATONG NOW EStablished as a pilot for the overall Phuket Security Zone project ordered by the Royal Thai Police, the concept is expected to be applied next to the area controlled by Chalong Police, beginning with Kata on September 15. Chalong police are currently working on enhancing collaboration with local people, the Chief of Crime Suppression section in Chalong, Pol Maj Pachai Matthayan, told a meeting with Phuket Governor Tri

Augkaradacha on August 30. Chalong police have already defined the various zones in their area, and are gathering more information to complete the plan. Reporting on progress in Patong, Pol Maj Nikorn Chutong said the town has now been divided into six zones, with 12 officers stationed in each. Police have also tightened their control of movement in and out of their town by setting up checkpoints at the

northern, southern and eastern “gateways” of the town. These checkpoints will keep an eye on activity, especially between 7.30pm to 4.30am when crimes most often occur. On August 17, Kathu police arranged a parade to encourage local people to get involved in watching over Patong. One aim of this was to persuade businesses to install CCTV cameras. Kathu police told the meeting that there are 33 CCTV

cameras belonging to various local authorities in the six zones, but only nine work. However, police counted 183 CCTV cameras installed by local businesses in the six zones. All of these work. “We’ve encouraged the improvement of existing CCTV cameras, either by replacing with them better quality equipment, or by recommending adjusting the angle,” said a Deputy Commander of Phuket Provincial Police, Pol Col Peerayuth Karajaedee.

Immigration looks to join net to block bad people THE IMMIGRATION BUReau is pushing for Advance Passenger Processing (APP) to be established in Thailand within the next two years to help block international criminals, terrorists and human traffickers from the country. The APP system was discussed in a meeting of the Asean Immigration Intelligence Forum (AIIF) at the Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort in Karon, which started on Monday (September 3) and ends today. The Commissioner of the Thai Immigration Bureau, Pol Lt Gen Wiboon Bangthamai, explained that APP would allow immigration officials at a departure port to check the details of suspicious passengers with their counterparts in the destination country. Those details would include blacklisted people and criminals listed in the destination country’s records. With this information the departure country would help to stop bad people even boarding a plane for a country that does not want them. The system effectively extends the border controls of the destination country to the check-in desk at the country of departure, Gen Wiboon said. He added that having APP, which is already in use in developed countries such as the USA and Australia, would vastly improve Thailand’s security system in readiness for the creation in 2015 of the Asean Economic Community. Apart from Thailand being able to control who gets on a plane to fly here, the system also works the other way. Australia – which is keen to help Thailand set up APP – cites Songkla province in the south as one of the major embarkation points for human trafficking to Australia, New Zealand and Canada. The General said he hoped APP could be set up in Thailand within the next two years. The main hurdle is obtaining the budget to do it. The Immigration Bureau and Airports of Thailand are discussing using airport fees collected from passengers to fund the project.

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2012

PHUKET NEWS

Phi Phi sisters ‘were poisoned by Deet cocktail’ THE TWO CANADIAN sisters who died in mysterious circumstances on Phi Phi two and a half months ago were poisoned by insecticide, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) has reported. CBC said that it had been shown the results of a Thai autopsy that concluded the sisters had died after drinking a variation of the the teenage narcotic cocktail see koon loy (4x100). See koon loy consists of four ingredients: cola, cough mixture, Kratom (a mildly narcotic leaf) and ice. What 20-year-old Audrey Bélanger and her sister Noémi, 25, drank also had the insecti-

cide Deet mixed into it. CBC reported, “It is thought that an overdose of Deet was accidentally mixed into the young women’s drinks.” The sisters were found dead in their room on June 15 and initial examination suggested poisoning of some kind. Police said there were no signs of foul play. After the autopsy in Bangkok, the two bodies were shipped back to Canada where they are curently undergoing more scientific examinations. The results of those are not expected for “months”, CBC said. Thai officials have declined to confirm or deny the CBC report.

SUPER SINGER Twelve year-old Gift Benjamin Boonyasit, a student at Phuket’s British International School (BIS), will perform at this weekend’s IBAP Business Fair in Jungceylon. In May this year, he won the nationwide Yamaha Thailand Music Festival, receiving his award from HRH Princess Srirasmi. Gift has always dreamed of being a successful singer and has based his style on his two idols, Beyoncé and Whitney Houston. He has been taking private music lessons at Yamaha Music School Nakorn Phuket Branch since the age of seven. He and other talented BIS students will perform on the stage at the IBAP Business Fair at Jungceylon tomorrow (September 8) and Sunday, at noon and again at 2pm. For more details about the IBAP Fair, see page 12.

SINGLE MINGLE ‘Quality’ singles group holds first social night

P Central Festival celebrates its 8th anniversary C E N T R A L F E ST I VA L Phuket yesterday (September 6) began celebrating the 8th anniversary of its opening with a seven-day International Food & Seafood Festival. Plenty of entertainment is promised for this weekend, in the open space on the ground floor, is as follows:

Saturday: 1:30pm Cooking demonstration by Thai chef Nooror Somany-Steppe of the Blue Elephant restaurant chain, and holder of the Asia’s Best Creative Chef award.

4:30pm Official opening ceremony followed by “Under the Sea” fashion show. 6:00pm Mini Concerts by performers Amp Saowalak and M The Star.

Sunday:

1:00pm Amazing Kitchen Percussion Show, exotic Thai musical show. 1:30pm Cooking Demonstration by Chef Ik (Krua Indy Tv Show) and Marathon Eating Contest. 3:30pm Japanese-style Tuna filleting Show. 4:30pm Mini Concert by Reggae Band.

hu ket’s ve r y f i r st ‘Singles in Phuket’ expat group has been established and a soft launch networking event will be held tonight (September 7). The group has been set up by long-term expats Debbie Dionysius and Claire Ratcliffe and a group of their friends, with the aim of creating a series of quality social networking evenings for single expats on the island, targeting eligible professional men and women in their 30s to 50s. “Phuket is such a transient place and so many people come and go, and many single people get trapped in their own networks,” Debbie says. “Whether it’s guys in the real estate business ending up networking in that industry, hospitality industry going out

with other hospitality people, single mothers hanging out with other parents – people don’t have the opportunity to get out of their social circle. “There are not enough opportunities to meet other people. There are a lot of unattached people on the island, and they always say ‘Where are all the single expat women and men?’” “I’ve talked with both male and female friends about doing something like this for about 18 months. And last weekend I decided just to do it – there’s never going to be a good time, so let’s put it out there and see what type of response we get. “We are testing the waters – we need to see if there are enough people to support an event like this.”

The group will hold its first event tonight at Breeze restaurant in Cape Yamu starting at 7pm. Debbie stresses the event is not a “date night” nor will there be any speed-dating component. “There won’t be any exercises to put people on the spot to present themselves as an available match. We might get to that later if people want that, but let’s start by getting people in the same place, having a few drinks, relaxing, exchanging business cards and chatting. “We will build from there. I want the people who are supporting the event to determine what the future events will be. “There are some really fantastic unattached people on the island, and many often

think about leaving because it is so difficult to meet anybody to go out with here. There are potential partners here, but it is just so hard to find them because we move in such different circles.” Married people can also attend as long as they bring a single friend. The age requirements are only a “rough guideline”, Debbie adds. Tonight’s event at Breeze runs from 7-9pm, and is priced at B1,000++ including wine, beer and canapés. The door prize is a dinner for two at Breeze. Debbie can be contacted by email at debbied@ lagunaphuket.com or by calling 081 892 8020. Those interested are also encouraged to ‘like’ the group’s Facebook page: facebook.com/SingleInPhuket

Worker hangs herself THA CHAT CHAI POLICE were called to a construction camp in Mai Khao on August 30 after a woman worker was found hanged in one of the shacks, apparently having committed suicide. She was identified as Nualjant Dorapol, 31, from Loei

Province. No one could account for her suicide, with other workers telling police that she had never mentioned being depressed about anything. The remains were taken to Thalang hospital for collection by relatives.

Daily baked Italian Breads and Italian Pastries, from our Executive Pastry Chef Francesco Giordano. Wide selection of Italian cold cuts and cheeses, delicatessen, fruit and vegetables, pasta, fine extra virgin olive oils, and special gourmet products. Enjoy our Illy coffee at the coffee bar, or a nice lunch from our carte of Italian traditional specialty.

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PHUKET FOCUS

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2012

STILL TRUE TO THOSE BABY BOOM VALUES

Alasdair Forbes meets Ho Kwon Ping and his wife Claire Chiang of Banyan Tree Holdings, owners of Laguna Phuket, and discovers a deep vein of social conscience

it down for a chat with most property developers and the talk will be entirely about the product – why it’s world-beating, the gorgeous views, the high resale value, the rentability and so on. But sit with property and hotel developer Ho Kwon Ping, Executive Chairman of Banyan Tree Holdings, owner of the Laguna complex, and his wife Claire Chiang – as The Phuket News did recently – and you quickly find yourself talking about values and ethics. This is unusual and refreshing. Mr Ho – known to employees and associates alike

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as KP – and Ms Chiang are baby boomers, born in the early 1950s. Both of them are still heavily influenced by their activism in the political and social turmoil of the 1960s when she was a development sociologist and he was a development economist, both of them determined to change the world. Their partnership is very much an equal one. Claire recently described KP as a “capitalist in his pocket and a socialist in his heart”. Talking with The Phuket News, she adds, “He’s also a romantic in spirit.” Claire says she is “his conscience. Those are my

initials: CC, for conscience and clarity. We play check and balance … so there are certain things I help to moderate or tackle or contradict, and vice versa. Very often we are each other’s best competing friend.” Does KP see himself as capitalist/socialist/romantic? “It’s not a matter of how you see yourself,” he replies. “Let me ask you, ‘Have you changed that much fundamentally from when you were 25 to 30 years old, in terms of your values, in terms of what you think of life?’ “You’ll probably say no – you’ve changed your profession, you’ve changed your hairstyle. But especially for

Above, Claire Chiang: ‘If capitalists were more restrained in the way they do business we would not be in such a mess.’ Below, Vietnam War protest in Washington DC in 1971. As a student at Stanford University, KP marched against the war, too. Photo: Lena Krohn

those of us from the baby boomer generation, we went through the Vietnam War,

through [the student riots in] Paris in 1968. “Compared with my children’s generation [the couple have two sons and a daughter], we went through a period when we had a lot of ideas, and I know a lot of my friends from that time are businessmen now, like myself. “Some of them have totally sold out – investment bankers and so on. But there are others like myself who still truly believe that what we are doing today is related in some way to what we wanted to do in the past.” Slowed down, perhaps. KP protested against the Vietnam

War when he was a student at Stanford, and also ended up on the uncomfortable end of establishment reaction to baby boomer ideas when, as an economics writer for the Far Eastern Economic Review, he spent two months in solitary confinement as a guest of the Singapore government. In a BBC interview 18 months ago he described this “sobering experience” as a turning point. “You realise in solitary confinement who you are and who you are not,” he told his interviewer. “I realised I was not a Nelson Mandela. I was not ever going to be.

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2012

PHUKET FOCUS

KP Ho: ‘I don’t think we’ve changed that much. We’ve got a bit wiser.’ The causes for which I might have been imprisoned were not the causes that … I really could identify with.” While in jail he proposed to Claire. After he was released the pair settled on Lamma, one of Hong Kong’s outlying islands, for an idyllic four years in a 40-squaremetre apartment in Yung Shue Wan, or Banyan Tree Bay, hence the name of their company. With their development backgrounds, both he and Claire, he says, wanted to do something to “bring development to the Third World”. Claire says, “The values [we acquired in] the ’60s are so much a part of us that we are habituated to thinking about the world, working the family relationships, the way we brought up our children … it is all related to what we believed in as young adults.

“We were children of the school of development. We were also born in an era when nation building was at its height. It gave us a texture of what is in the future and what we can do and should do and must do.” Believers in change in the 1960s were often ready to go out on the streets and scuffle with the police to further those beliefs. But as people get older, she says, “We are more restrained. If capitalists were more restrained in the way they do business we would not be in such a mess. The lack of restraint and the lack of a sense of responsibility towards the world are causing all the downfalls. “That restraint comes with age, with the love for the traditional, the conventional, the basics.” In modern society, there

Where it all began: Yung Shue Wan – Banyan Tree Bay – on the Hong Kong island of Lamma.

is, she says, “too much hurry and the lack of a moral compass”. KP sees age as bringing a modicum of wisdom. “I don’t think we’ve changed that much. We’ve got a bit wiser. We try to make money…” Not that the company is making too much of that these days. From a high of S$2.23 in October 2007, Banyan Tree’s share price plummeted to 28 cents in Mar 2009, and has recovered only to 56 cents today. The property side of the business is to blame. KP has appointed Abid Butt to look after the hotel side – “I don’t even look at the hotel business now, because I have to spend most of my time trying to get us out of this hole. “The hotel side is doing very well, but we’re not doing very well in terms of return on overall assets, which is

why I’ve been selling assets, selling some very profitable assets and some relatively unprofitable assets, both, to get the cash to reinvest in projects that will give us a faster yield.” In both Vietnam and China, despite the company’s high profile, it has only 14 or 15 per cent equity in projects in which it is involved. “We will never, ever, invest 100 per cent in any hotel

any more because it’s just too slow a return.” The secrets of his success so far? “You must know your destination and, largely, the direction. Others can probably help you plan the GPS to get there.” Business success, he firmly believes, is a combination of intent and luck. “The two are absolutely indispensible.” Does he make his own luck? “I don’t think so, but you can either ride the wave

New Stoc k

or the wave goes out ahead of you. It’s not a pure matter of luck. You’ve got to know what you want to do, your direction, and when something happens, you need timing and judgement. “I learned from my father that things happen in ways and patterns and cycles that do not change. Age helps. When you’ve been through a few bad cycles you learn that history always repeats itself.”

has

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10 THAILAND NEWS

IN BRIEF Pattaya magician reports disappearance after tryst A 16-year-old magician reported the theft of items from his room by an 18-yearold woman he befriended at a Pattaya nightclub on September 3. The boy met the woman at the club where he was working as a magician and invited her back to his room on the date in question. The couple had sex and then fell asleep. When the boy woke up just after 4am, he found that the woman had decided to take his laptop computer, mobile phone and some money with her. She had also done a disappearing act.

Panda celebrates third birthday at Chiang Mai zoo

The first giant panda born in Chiang Mai Zoo, Lin Ping, celebrated her third birthday last week. China’s new Consul General in Chiang Mai, Zhang Weicai, delivered a special gift for Lin Ping – a three layered iced cake topped with fruit. Lin Ping translates loosely as ‘forest of ice.’

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2012

Nation grapples with killer student gangs

Aidan Jones / AFP

weat dripping from their foreheads as they complete a set of press-ups, students at a Thai army boot camp are momentary allies, but a spate of gang shootings suggests it is an uneasy peace. Deadly rivalries between student gangs have seen several teenagers gunned down in Bangkok since the start of the school year in May, leaving the kingdom’s authorities scrambling for answers to a decades-old violent tradition. The 150 students doing fitness drills at the army camp north of the capital come from vocational colleges – schools notorious for incubating ruthless gangs who fight for the perceived pride of their institution. “I stabbed a student in the head,” says Pond, a pimply 18-year-old who escaped prosecution for the assault but was fined a few dollars for carrying a knife. “Sometimes I feel bad about it, but it’s what happens. We do

Teenage students take part in Thai army bootcamp training in Lopburi. it because it’s a legend, passed down from the seniors in our school. We do it for pride.” The colleges prepare teenagers for a life of manual work, rather than going on to university, and the students are often viewed as low status by a society with a keen sense of hierarchy. An epidemic of violence strikes at the start of every new school year, leaving or-

dinary Thais on guard for the appearance of students in public spaces, where disputes can lead to tragedy. A bystander died after she was hit by a stray bullet in June as a group of students opened fire on a Bangkok bus in an attack that killed a rival gang member. Guns, machetes and even improvised grenades were among an arsenal seized in a subsequent police crackdown, but the death toll has risen unabated with at least three more students killed and several others wounded since. Bangkok police recorded more than 1,000 cases of students fighting between January and July this year, and the nationwide tally is likely to

Photo: AFP

be much higher. Desperate for a solution, Thai authorities established the boot camp, where the worst offenders are sent after consultation between their colleges and their parents. Once there, they are forced to follow orders from no-nonsense army trainers and must live cheek-by-jowl with their sworn enemies. Dressed in a blue jumpsuit and plimsolls, his hair cropped close like his peers, Pond – a nickname – explains that he was blacklisted by his school for persistent fighting and sent to the camp to reform. He says the 5 am wake-up calls, regular meal times and fitness drills have brought some discipline to his chaotic life, but

is frank about his prospects of following a new path. “At the moment I don’t want to fight anymore... but when I am back out there I will protect myself,” he says. For Zoom, a scrawny, jittery 18-year-old, fighting for school pride delivers a sense of power, belonging and respect from younger pupils. He says trivial insults about each other’s school are enough to spark confrontation and chillingly recalls a fight last year which started after rivals swore at him from a motorcycle. As the students passed by he reached for his knife “and slashed one of them across the head”, he says, in a description betraying no hint of remorse. The camp interns, several marked with gruesome scars from similar knife slashings, cigarette burns, junk food and other home comforts, but generally appear engaged and willing to team up with erstwhile rivals in tasks such as abseiling or cooking. Their instructors have 10 weeks to break down resentment between them and hope team-building exercises and group discussions will foster friendships that last once the camp ends in September. “The hard part is making them respect themselves, other people and society,” Boot camp instructor Colonel Wijak Kesuda says.

Red Bull scion in hit and run scandal Agence France-Presse

T H A I P OLIC E H AV E arrested the Ferrari-driving grandson of the co-creator of the Red Bull energy drink on suspicion of killing a policeman in a hit-and-run collision on Monday in Bangkok, officials said. Once in police custody, the suspect, 27-year-old Vorayuth Yoovidhya, confessed to the hitting of Pol Snr Sgt Maj Wichian Klanprasert, who was on a motorcycle, and dragging the body about 100 metres (330 feet) down a main road at around dawn. “We traced the gasoline trail which leaked onto the road until it led us to the house with the Ferrari,” said police Lieutenant Colonel Viradol Thubthimdee of Thonglor police station, where Worayuth

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was taken for questioning. “He will be charged with causing death by driving and failing to stop and inform the authorities, with a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment and a fine,” Viradol said. His grandfather Chaleo Yoovidhya was one of Thailand’s richest men thanks to the global success of the Red Bull empire that he cofounded with Austrian Dietrich Mateschitz in the 1980s. Chaleo died in March aged 89. Meanwhile the Thong Lor police inspector accused of trying to protect Vorayuth by arresting the family’s driver instead could be fired, Bangkok police chief Pol Lt Gen Khamronwit Thoopkrachang says. Pol Lt Col Pannapon Nammuang, who is believed to have a close relationship with the Yoovidhya family, report-

edly first arrested Suwes Hom-ubon for driving the Ferrari. The Bangkok police chief said if the upcoming investigation does confirm the inspector acted illegally, he will face both disciplinary and criminal punishment. Mr Suwes, a 45-year-old driver for the Yoovidhya family, will also be charged with giving a false statement to police. The collision took place on Sukhumvit Soi 47 in Bangkok about 5.30am on Monday while Pol Snr Sgt Maj Wichian was on patrol. The black Ferrari reportedly dragged the policeman for hundreds of metres, resulting in the police officer suffering a broken neck and multiple broken bones. Pol Snr Sgt Maj Wichian died at the scene.

THE PHUKET NEWS

LETTERS/VIEWPOINT 11

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2012

OPINION editor@thephuketnews.com

Editor’s Viewpoint

Norachai’s World

The importance of insurance

This slimming coffee is terrific! Soon I won’t be fat any more...

he unfortunate situation that visa run bus-crash victim Alexandra ‘Sasha’ Monakhova found herself in is a reminder to all about how important health insurance is when living overseas. As reported on last week’s front page, Sasha suffered a spinal fracture when a visa run minibus she was travelling in crashed on August 9 (read the story online at the phuketnews.com). The total cost of Sasha’s treatment was around B350,000, but was covered by the visa run company as it had insurance. Sasha was very lucky to find her medical bills covered by the visa run minibus company in this particular case. With no personal health insurance, it could have been a far worse situation. If the company had been operating illegally, or had no insurance, it might feel it was under no obligation to pay her mounting hospital bills, let alone any ongoing care. (In Sasha’s case, the company

Letters to the editor Good driving, less drama [Re: Bleak future for visa-run crash victim] As a sober, experienced driver with quality driver training, a well-maintained vehicle and mind for safety, I have done countless trips to Penang and Ranong over the years driving cars and riding bikes... but as I said, an experienced, well trained driver in a suitably wellmaintained vehicle. Educate these drivers with quality training, defensive driving skills, and watch them take pride in their new found skills and reap the safety benefits. Stringent vehicle inspections with more frequent inspection periods for vehicles would benefit the well trained driver Experienced Driver

Way over your farang head

[Re: Thai MP: Marry a farang for easier life] Whoooosh! You missed his point entirely. He was being sarcastic, in an attempt to get Thailand to improve its welfare system. agogohome

Free market rules [Re: New drive to legalise black taxis] Wait a minute! You all have it wrong! Phuket doesn’t need more regulations on the taxi drivers, regulations are not going to help the little guy, this is going to help the people in government who are in charge of the administering the licenses. Look at the taxi scene in Australia, my father bought a taxi license 20 years ago for A$15,000 and now they are A$500,000 plus and since then

they have flooded the market with taxis selling licenses with greed and the quality of service is crap because there is no longer competition as they slowly monopolise the market. Let there be a free market, sure you might get overcharged here and there but I think if you allow regulations to try and ‘control’ or ‘make safer’ or ‘stop people getting ripped off’ you are only going to raise the price of the taxi service as competition disappears. Huge license fees and state control will make it harder for anyone to start their own business without permission from this party claiming to ‘help’. When I go to Phuket, my taxi driver is not a registered taxi, his car is a plain looking car but not a taxi, he is a very friendly Thai local who always arrives to the airport on time and never overcharges me. He doesn’t need a license, I used his service before, he was

good, so I took his number. No 3rd party, everyone’s happy! That is a free market! Amused Observer

Tourists should count lucky stars [Re: Aussie ‘beaten, left for dead’, say family] To all those bashing on Thailand. You are ‘guests’ in Thaioland. If you don’t like it for you are more than free to return to your home country. To the Ketley family, just go home to Australia and get medical care and don’t be so cheap trying to beg money for his medical care when you can get it for free in your own country. At the end of the day he crashed. There is no evidence to support your theory he was attacked. Why was he not wearing a helmet? Would you not wear one in Australia? No sympathy at all. I save that [for]

also paid further funds for a Thai nurse to visit Sasha’s apartment in Chalong to take care of her). How would Sasha have paid the bills then? She might have found herself in the same situation as many other people on Phuket without insurance who get into trouble – hoping that a public appeal by friends and family will raise enough money to pay the hospital bills. Living or travelling abroad with no personal health insurance is a real gamble. If a medical emergency happens, you may be turned away from the island’s top international hospitals, and much-needed care. It may be extreme, but Sasha’s experience is a reminder to everyone of the risks of living overseas, and just how badly things can go wrong if you aren’t covered for medical emergencies. Sasha was lucky this time. Often life is a game of chance. Play the odds in your favour. Take care of youself, just in case nobody else does.

This week in history others more deserving. George

Lost in transit [Re: Tourist arrivals jump 30pc in first half] How many of those tourists will stay in hotels in Phuket for their holidays? Many of them are in transit to other nearby provinces such as Phang-Nga and Krabi. Statistics should be done not by arrivals at Phuket Airport but by making a true survey with tourists by checking at the airport how many nights they will stay in Phuket and how many in other provinces. Whistle-Blower

Afternoon delight

[Re: Survey finds Thai women second most unfaithful women in the world] Only 16 sexual partners? What do they do in the afternoon in Singapore and Hong Kong? The clown

Letters may be edited for clarity or length. Email editor@thephuketnews.com. Please include your full name, phone number, and email address.

■■ September 7, 1996 – American hip-hop star Tupac Shakur is fatally shot four times on the Las Vegas strip. ■■ September 8, 1892 – The US Pledge of Allegiance is first recited. ■■ September 9, 1969 – In Canada, the Official Languages Act comes into force, making the French language equal to the English language throughout the Federal government. ■■ September 10, 1972 – The US suffers its first loss of an international basketball game at the hands of the Soviet Union team. ■■ September 11, 1940 – George Stibitz performs the first remote operation of a computer. ■■ September 12, 1959 – Premiere of Bonanza, the first regularly scheduled TV program presented in color. ■■ September 13, 1899 – Henry Bliss is the first American to die in an automobile accident.

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12 TOURISM/AVIATION

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2012

BUSINESS

This is not larking about

Trisara’s Anthony Lark and other hoteliers explain what they’re doing to be green > 14

Alasdair Forbes execeditor@thephuketnews.com

SINKING FEELING Air traffic growth figures plummet in July T

he International Air Transport Association (Iata) has revealed global air traffic results for July, which show a sharp slowdown in growth for both air travel and freight business, particularly in North America and the AsiaPacific region. July passenger demand in aggregate was 3.4 per cent higher than the same month last year, compared to a 6.3 per cent increase in June and average growth of 6.5 per cent over the first half of the year. “This slowdown in travel growth is being driven largely by the recent fall in business confidence in many economies,” Iata reported at the end of last week. Asia-Pacific carriers saw demand growth of just 0.9 per cent in July, a major slowdown from the 5.8 per cent recorded in the June year-on-year comparison. Only North American airlines fared worse, shrinking by

2.1 per cent in July. The Iata announcement said, “European airlines appear to be benefiting more than Asia-Pacific airlines from the recently stronger trade flows from West to East, while Middle Eastern airlines continue to offer strong competition on long-haul markets.

“The downward growth trend began in the second quarter of 2012 and has now continued into the third.” In order to stabilise load factors and develop profitability, airlines worldwide have reduced capacity. “The uncertain economic

outlook is having a negative impact on demand for air transport … the growth trend is clearly slowing,” Iata director general and chief executive Tony Tyler said. “This, along with rising fuel prices, is likely to make it a tough second half of the

year.” Iata has been reporting reduced air transport demand since the beginning of the year. International passenger market growth for June 2012 was up 7.5 per cent on last year, while July results only garnered a 3.5 per cent rise compared to July 2011. Domestic markets also experienced slow growth, continuing the trend that began early in 2012; traffic rose 3.1 per cent year-on year, down from 4.2 per cent in June. Despite the turbulent global economic climate, China and Brazil recorded strong domestic growth. “The huge success of the London Olympics was also an important reminder of the vital role that international aviation plays in bringing the world together and facilitating global mega-events,” Mr Tyler said. “Now all eyes are on Brazil, which will host the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Olympics, and aviation will play a key role there as well.”

Delay park fees hike – tour companies TTR Weekly

THE THAI ECOTOURISM and Adventure Travel Association (TEATA) has written to the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) requesting a postponement of a hike in entrance fees at 29 national parks announced last week. There has been a strong backlash following the DNP’s announcement that it was put-

ting up park fees by as much as 150 per cent. Operators complain they were given no advance notice. Agents have already signed tour price contracts with foreign partners for the year from October 2012 to October 2013, which do not take into account the new higher park fees. TEATA has a number of members who operate tours to national parks so it is taking

the lead role in sending the complaints to the government agency. Its president, Sumitra Mutturanont, told TTR Weekly last week, “Yes, the association has been receiving complaints from members. TEATA is preparing a letter to the department’s director-general as well as to the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment. “We will send it in a couple of days to explain the situation

and request the fee increases be postponed until next year when the present contracts end.” Ms Sumitra said if the first attempt failed to receive a positive response then the association will request a meeting to discuss the issue and possibly recruit support from the Federation of Thai Tourism Associations to add more weight to the complaint. Meanwhile, the Bangkok Post reports that ticket to all 148 national parks will be available for purchase from 7-Eleven stores from November. National Parks Office direc-

tor Witthaya Hongviengchan said that this would help prevent corruption on sales of tickets to national parks, “which has been a problem for the department”, and reduce the amount of manpower needed at park gates. Eventually, tickets will be available only through an electronic vending system, Mr Witthaya said. The system will also allow the Park Department to manage the number of people going into parks to ensure none are overloaded with visitors.

IN BRIEF IBAP Fair opens this weekend After a successful Business Fair in 2011, the International Business Association of Phuket (IBAP), is about to launch its seventh such event, which it promises will be “even bigger and better”. The fair will run this weekend (September 8 and 9) from 11 am to 7 pm at a new venue, Patong’s Jungceylon shopping complex. Show organisers Events Thailand have confirmed “some fantastic support acts that will perform on the main stage and definitely attract the eye of passers-by”, IBAP president James Firth said this week. “This year’s fair will continue to provide the perfect platform for you to showcase your products and services, garner new clients for your business and network with other business people and local officials. The association expects some 60,000 people to visit the fair over the two days. For more information on the fair, visit eventsthailand.net

Thai A380 to fly to HK, Singapore Thai Airways International’s first 507-seat double-decker Airbus A380 will be deployed on the Bangkok-Hong Kong and Bangkok-Singapore routes after it arrives on September 27, a senior THAI executive says. The second superjumbo will be used on the BangkokFrankfurt route. Chokechai Panyayong, acting CEO of the airline, said three A380s will be delivered to THAI this year, with another three to come next year. – MCOT

AirAsia bucks profits trend AirAsia’s profits “remain strong” in a time where other airlines are posting losses, the Malaysia-based carrier’s chief said after reporting a 9-per-cent year-on-year increase in revenue during the second quarter. In its latest profits update, AirAsia announced its revenue had increased to RM1.08 billion (about B11 billion), thanks to a 12 per cent year-on-year increase in capacity.

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THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2012

TOURISM/MONEY 13

CRUNCH TIME

Tourist arrivals grow by 30pc Court to decide if Germany can join ESM in first half THE NUMBER OF TOURists arriving in Phuket in the first half of this year grew by 30 per cent compared with the same period last year. Extrapolating from this, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) estimates that seven million tourists – both domestic and international – will have visited Phuket by the end of this year. The new Director of the TAT’s Phuket Office, Chanchai Doungjit, speaking at a meeting in Provincial Hall on Monday (September 3), said flights coming to Phuket are full this year, even in the “green” season. The increase in the number of international flights arriving has gone up in line with the number of tourists, rising 28 per cent from last year. Most of the additional flights are from the Middle East and North Asian countries such as South Korea and China. Last year, more than half of the four million international tourists who came to Phuket were stamped in by Phuket Immigration directly, an indicator that Phuket itself (as opposed to Thailand) is an increasingly popular destination. “The rate of growth is very positive,” said Mr Chanchai. “Though the number of European tourists has fallen between three and five per cent this year due to the impact of the Euro crisis, the Asian market is going up, replacing the missing European tourists.” He noted that although Europe as a whole has fallen, the numbers of tourists from France, Britain and Germany have remained stable. Their numbers, however, have been far outstripped by the new markets. In the first half 142,582 tourists arrived from China and 140,297 from

hen the histor y books are written about the Euro, next Wednesday (September 12) may well prove one of the most significant dates in the life of the embattled single currency. At 10am in Germany on that day, the eight scarlet-robed judges of Germany’s Verfassungsgericht or Constitutional Court will file into the courtroom in the southwest city of Karlsruhe to decide whether German President Joachim Gauck can sign into law the Eurozone’s key crisis-fighting tools. The German parliament has already voted in favour of the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) and the European fiscal pact with a two-thirds majority at the end of June. But Gauck held off from completing the ratification process because of a number of legal challenges filed by the far-left Die Linke party, a citizens’ initiative group called “More Democracy” and a well-known Eurosceptic from Chancellor Angela Merkel’s CSU Bavarian sister party, Peter Gauweiler. They argue that the ESM – the EU’s permanent 500 billion Euro (B18 trillion) rescue fund – and the fiscal pact were incompatible with Germany’s “Grundgesetz” or Basic Law because they are effectively forcing Germany to surrender its budgetary sovereignty without the necessary democratic backing. By committing Europe’s biggest economy – and already its effective paymaster – to the ESM, parliament is essentially exposing Germany’s public finances to unlimited risks should one Eurozone country after another topple under the debt crisis, they argue. And that means German voters’ basic democratic rights

Chanchai Doungjit: ‘The rate of growth is very positive.’ Russia. In third place was Australia with 121,916, followed by South Korea with 102,021 and Sweden in fifth place with 80,427. According to TAT’s statistics, the biggest growth markets were China and Russia, which both more than doubled. China increased 107 per cent and Russia 105 per cent, followed by South Korea (30) Malaysia (25) and Sweden (25). Meanwhile, according to figures collected by the Pacific Asia Travel Association (Pata), international visitor arrivals into Asia-Pacific destinations during May 2012 show a more modest – and declining – collective gain of three per cent year-on-year. This is the second consecutive month with a declining growth rate. For the first five months of 2012, the average growth in international visitor arrivals into Asia Pacific destinations was six per cent up year-on-year. However, Southeast Asia bucked the trend, still managed solid growth of eight per cent during the month to become the fastest-growing part of the Asia-Pacific region.

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German President Joachim Gauck: Action on GSM stalled until court makes its decision. are being infringed upon. In addition, the critics argue that the ESM breaches the “no bailout clause” of the EU’s Maastricht Treaty, under which Germany agreed to relinquish its revered Deutschmark on condition there would be no direct or indirect sharing of Eurozone members’ debt. The ESM, which will replace the temporary European Financial Stability Facility, should have been up and running by July 1. But it needs Germany’s share of the rescue money to function and has thus been held up pending the Constitutional Court’s ruling. On September 12 the court will not rule on the constitutionality of either the ESM or the fiscal pact. It will simply decide whether to grant temporary injunctions sought by the plaintiffs that will prevent President Gauck from signing the legislation into law until a final ruling can be made next year. If the court dismisses the plaintiffs’ case, everything will be fine; Gauck can sign the legislation and the ESM can at long last become operational, much to the relief

of the financial markets. But if it grants the injunctions, it could trigger fresh financial turmoil as markets will take this as a sign the court believes that the ESM and the fiscal pact are incompatible with Germany’s constitution, effectively killing off the ESM. Expectations ahead of the ruling are correspondingly at fever pitch, with doomsday scenarios doing the rounds that the Euro may immediately break up. Analysts, however, are not so alarmist. “A failure to ratify the treaty would probably not result in an immediate break-up of the single currency,” said Marie Diron, senior economics adviser at Ernst & Young Eurozone Forecast. “But it would increase volatility in financial markets and reverse the recent period of calm that has helped confidence slowly return to the Eurozone. “We could be back to the darkest periods of extreme volatility and investors’ risk aversion which would have a significant negative impact on the outlook for the Eurozone,” she said.

Analysts at Morgan Stanley see a 40 per cent chance that the court will not give its green light, at least just yet, have warned that a hold-up “will likely have major repercussions for financial markets”. The court was already assured by experts back in July that a delay would not cause major problems because the ESM’s predecessor, the temporary EFSF, is still in place. But it could put a question mark over rescue money for Spanish banks, noted Diron at Ernst & Young. Other sources said the risk is not that the court will reject the ESM, but that it will further extend parliamentary control, which will, they believe, make things very difficult to operate. Mattias Kumm, a law professor at Berlin’s Humboldt University and a constitutional expert, believes there is a 25-30 per cent chance that the court will rule the ESM is unconstitutional. And that, in turn, he says, could lead politicians to decide to change Germany’s constitution, which would require a referendum.

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14 TOURISM/LAW

GREEN LESSONS

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2012

Debts that cannot be collected: Are Hoteliers lay out how they tackle eco issues you going to pay tax on them? Alasdair Forbes execeditor@thephuketnews.com

t may not have been intended as a competition, but the recent Amcham Green Tourism Practices seminar, by inviting three hoteliers to brag about their green practices, had a significant and entertaining element of rivalry. Winner was Anthony Lark of Trisara, who left Ty Collins, GM of the JW Marriott Khao Lak, and Morgan Layberry, EAM of the Holiday Inn Patong, trailing in his wake. Granted, he had a big advantage in the competition: he was with Trisara when it was but a glint in the owners’ eyes, and could help steer the new resort to greenness. This was not a choice of “Do we or don’t we?”. The designers of Trisara were compelled, when putting together their plans, to think ultra-green. This was to be an ultraluxury complex (with all the potentially non-green requirements of the wealthy guests) surrounded by old-growth forest, and the owners and management knew the environmental impact assessment was going to be particularly tough. Mr Lark pointed out, “The travel industry is the biggest polluter, with airlines and hotel waste. Is the [Thai] government ready to incentivise [green practises]? I don’t think so. So it’s up to private enterprise.” That in turn means justifying green practices not in terms of complying with the law, nor in terms of righteousness, but in terms of return on investment (RoI). All three hoteliers gave use-

Jerrold Kippen Tax & Law Expert Duensing Kippen

Anthony Lark (right) and Ty Collins (centre) listen in as Morgan Layberry makes a point. ful insights into how hotels can become considerably greener with comparatively minor changes in hotel or partner working practices, and how more significant spending can be justified by showing short periods for RoI. Mr Layberry said, for example, “We’re trying to get suppliers to eliminate much of the packaging. We will buy reusable crates with our name on them for use by the suppliers. It saves them money.” The Holiday Inn has also changed all incandescent light bulbs to compact fluorescents, and the laundry runs only full loads, cutting water and electricity wastes. “Just these quick and easy changes have saved us about US$10,000 [B300,000] a month.” In Khao Lak, the Marriott is working with consultants Ecolab on cold temperature cleaning in the laundry, which cuts the power bill and also extends the life of linen. The scale of some of the

problems faced in going greener was epitomised by bottled drinking water. At Trisara, Mr Lark said, the hotel was consuming more than 250, 000 bottles – all plastic – each year. The other speakers admitted to the same problem, both on a larger scale. “It tastes like chlorine, it’s trucked in and then the bottles are trucked out again to the landfill,” said Mr Lark, “so we are building a reverse osmosis system. “The plant is costing B1 million – about a third of the price of a Volvo – and the RoI is just nine months.” Plastic bottles are out: “We have our own reusable glass bottles.” He offered the due diligence and research on then reverse osmosis plant to anyone else who might think it useful. Water in general is a major issue at Trisara, which has no source on-site, and none coming in from outside apart from in tankers. “Eighty per cent of the water we use in the high season

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goes on the landscaping. We worked out that we would need two tankers driving up and down all day at a ridiculous cost.” So built into Trisara was a system for collecting rain water from all the roofs. “That’s added to the grey water and then used on the gardens through sprinklers.” Mr Collins, a little enviously, remarked, “You can do a lot at the building stage.” But, he added, “There are so many opportunities out there to change things now. Technology is changing fast. Solar energy, for example, is very close to becoming competitive.” All three hoteliers offered additional insights that may help owners and other managers to become more green. Local sourcing – the “kilo zero” transport theory (Mr Layberry): “We’re moving towards more locally produced food items instead of imports,” Mr Layberry explained. “We want to look at sustainable food sources, particularly seafood.” Hotel value (Mr Lark): “All hotels are for sale. Becoming greener makes the hotel more saleable.” Part of the incentive is that “guests will make the decisions. A lot of clients will demand this of expensive hotels.” Do it now (Mr Layberry): “We must convince owners to invest a little bit [in green practices] every year rather than waiting until legislation forces us to do it all at once. It’s easy to explain on a financial basis.” Awareness of others’ interests (Mr Collins): “We practised separation and recycling, but then the local garbage collector would not collect because we were taking all the valuable stuff out of the trash. So now we still separate it, but then we give it to them.” The moderator for the event was Arnfinn Oines, Social & Environmental Conscience with Six Senses/Soneva Resorts.

I S YO U R C O M PA N Y unable to collect money from someone who owes you? If the answer is yes, your company may be eligible to write off that bad debt, thereby reducing profit tax. From a corporate accounting perspective, a bad debt is generally defined as an account receivable that cannot be collectable. From a tax perspective, however, bad debt cannot automatically and in all cases be written off, or erased from your company’s accounts receivable ledger. If your company writes-off a bad debt then it is relieved of the tax burden it incurred. But before that can happen, the Revenue Code of Thailand (“RC”) contains certain hurdles the creditor must jump before counting the bad debt as an expense that reduces the taxable profit. It is essential for your company to clear these bad debt write-off hurdles when a debt turns bad. If your company does not do so it will have to pay income tax on that debt even though it was never collected. Section 65 of the RC defines “net profit” as the result of taxable income from business or arising out of business in one accounting year less certain expenses. It also requires that this calculation is done on an accrual basis rather than a cash basis. Accrual means that each item is entered as it is earned or incurred regardless of when actual payments have been received or not. (Cash basis accounting recognises income only when payments have been received.) Since the RC stipulates accounting on an accrual basis, it treats all your company’s receivables as “income” even if the money has not yet come into the company bank account. Where a receivable later meets the criteria to be considered as a bad debt then, in accordance with Section 65 RC, it is treated as an expense. This of course reduces the net profit and tax burden of the creditor. To be eligible for such “conversion,” the receivable must meet the definitions and requirements outlined in RC

Sections 65bis and 65ter. RC Section 65bis(9) states that “writing off bad debts from a debtor’s account shall be done only if it follows rules, procedures and conditions prescribed by a Ministerial Regulation.” The relevant Ministry of Finance regulation is No. 186 (1991) (“MR”). MR Clause 3 defines the qualifications of a bad debt that is eligible to be written off as follows: “Debts that arose from carrying on a business or in connection with business or have been included as revenue in the computation of net profits, but not including debts owed by a person who is or used to be a director or managing partner whether or not debts arose before or during the time such person is a director or managing partner;” and “The claim for debts is not barred from court action by time limitation and is sufficiently evidenced for the purpose of suing the debtor.” Please note that the following “prescriptions periods” or time limitations beyond which court action is barred, are listed in the Civil and Commercial Code of Thailand (“CCC”): Ten years is the basic prescription period in Thailand if the law does not establish a shorter period for a specific claim in (CCC Section 193/30); Five years for certain claims relating to, for example, interest and salaries (CCC Section 193/33); Two years for most commercial transactions (CCC Section 193/34). Note: after the expiration of these periods, the debt will not be eligible for deduction. In Part II of this two-part article we will examine the additional requirements for writing off your company’s bad debt under the MR. Duensing Kippen is a multiservice boutique law firm specialising in property and corporate/commercial matters and dispute resolution proceedings arising therefrom. It is also the only such firm in Thailand that complements its property and corporate/commercial legal expertise with a core tax law practice. Duensing Kippen can be reached at: phuket@ duensingkippen.com. Website: www.duensingkippen.com

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2012

Australian 51-yearold takes the fight on fat to Muay Thai gym

Meet the Baba Yaya, Phuketâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s community of Peranakan people

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2012

Northern exposure Five reasons why you need to visit Chiang Mai now > Pages 10-11

Photo by Kiri Heald

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2 ART

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, 7, 2012 2012 FRIDAY,SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER 7,

Hanging with the kids “My little one is getting into writing letters in different colours, so she really enjoyed doing that”

Jody Houton editor3@thephuketnews.com

The laidback vibe of last weekend’s event in Rawai created a chilled atmosphere and perfectly lent itself to an artistically minded environment that catered to adults and children alike.

From top: Young attendees Nancy Macinnes and Charlize Meijer contribute to the Phuket Art Village Monthly Fair mural; organiser Kerrily ‘Kez’ Jennings prepares tea; kids decorate bags.

otheby’s have launched a lawsuit against a mainland Chinese man in a bid to recover US$3.5 million after he failed to pay for 20 paintings and scrolls that he won in an auction. The company said it had filed a case in the Hong Kong High Court on September 1 against Zhang Bo from China’s central province of Henan, who bid for the art works in April this year. The items fetched a total of HK$34.1

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s well as being a rather groovy place for adults to listen to some great music, enjoy some awesome pieces of art and generally hang out in a relaxed and chilledout atmosphere, the Phuket Art Village Monthly Fair is quickly turning into a really fun place for kids too. From the raised platform upon which he was playing music alongside other jammers, resident artist and actual resident of the village ‘Yen’ summed it up. “This type of night is good. The big people can come and drink beer and the kids can play.” Children’s activities in the afternoon included painting on cloth bags, contributing to a giant mural and genuinely running around in a random fashion. Malinie Sucharittanarak, who came with her boy, said it was the safe and fun environment more than anything else that she liked: “It’s good that nobody tells the kids what to do and they can run round.” She also added that it was great that there was something different for children and adults to attend and enjoy together. There was fresh coffee, cold beers, spring rolls and other treats to savour. Another parent, Chandra

million, but Sotheby’s said it was seeking HK$27.54 m ($3.55 m) as the owner of two of the paintings decided to cancel the sale and not pursue legal action. “The defendant has failed and/or refused to pay the total purchase price,” Sotheby’s said in the court filing. The priciest among the lots was famous Chinese artist Xu Beihong’s “Grazing under the tree”, an ink and colour hanging scroll dated 1943, which was sold for HK$7.8 million, beating its pre-sale estimate of HK$4-6 million. The auction house has filed 13 non-payment cases since 2006 in Hong Kong, which

Drawing Room

Tuttle said that although her daughter was not that interested in art, she did enjoy taking part in the big group mural. “My little one is getting into writing letters in different colours, so she really enjoyed doing that,” Chandra said. The laid-back vibe of the event created a nice atmosphere and perfectly lent itself to an environment that catered to both adults and children. Kerrily Jennings, one of the founders and organisers of the event, said she was incredibly happy with the turnout and that it was great to see so many people regardless of age getting involved. “There was a frenzy when we started and we couldn’t get the bags out quick enough.” Kerrily said that she hoped that next time the event will be even bigger. “Along with the portraits, and bag decoration we hope to run a ceramic session next time.” She added that in response to the interest from the ‘big people’ they would also be considering introducing more adult-focused art activities. The Phuket Art Village Fair will be held the first Saturday of every month. Call Tony on 087 801 8955 or Yen on 087 890 3722 for more information.

Chinese man skips out on Sotheby’s sale Agence France Presse

PHUKET GALLERIES

has become the world’s third largest auction hub after New York and London thanks to cash-rich Chinese collectors. Six of the cases are still pending in court. Sotheby’s raked in HK$468 million from its fine Chinese paintings sale in April, more than double estimates, in an auction that it said was dominated by “spirited competition from greater China”. Global art auction sales rose to a record US$11.5 billion in 2011, according to Francebased market data provider Artprice, with China cementing its spot as the top market with US$4.79 billion in sales.

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If you would like to see your studio featured on this page, contact: editor3@ thephuketnews.com

EDUCATION 3

THE PHUKET NEWS FRIDAY, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2012 SEPTEMBER 7, 2012

Hong Kong protests over plans for China ‘brainwashing’ Agence France Presse

ong Kong students and teachers protested on Tuesday (September 4) for a sixth straight day against plans to introduce Chinese patriotism classes in schools. With political tensions rising days ahead of Legislative Council polls, protesters at the government headquarters said they would not vote for parties that supported “national education”, which they say is a bid to brainwash children with Chinese Communist Party propaganda. “I feel national education is an important issue because it could affect many generations of children’s education,” second year university student Cheung Ngalam said at the demonstration, which began on August 30. “The new Legislative Council members will definitely have an influence on the issue because whatever they say affects society.” The former British colony goes to the polls on Sunday to elect a new 70-seat legislature, but power will continue to reside with the proBeijing appointed Chief Executive Leung Chunying. Leung has ignored protesters’ calls for a meeting and refused to abandon plans to implement the new education policy, which schools can adopt voluntarily from this week but which will become compulsory by 2016. “We are willing to talk to the anti-national education parties, but the prerequisite of the dialogue cannot be either to withdraw or not to withdraw,” Leung told reporters. Most schools have said they will not introduce the subject this year and want to see more details about how it should be taught. The government says the curriculum is important in fostering a sense of national belonging and identity, amid rising anti-Beijing sentiment in Hong Kong.

It’s all about using your brain Jody Houton editor3@thephuketnews.com

Above left: Dr Kerry O’ Neill addresses the crowd at the British international School. Above right: Headmaster Neil Richards with Dr O’ Neill.

EYE ON THE FOOTBALL Kajonkiet International School (KIS) students were mascots for both teams at last Saturday’s (September 1) Yamaha League 1 football match between Phuket FC and Nakhon Rachasima. Bringing luck to both sides, the game finished in a 1-1 draw (see Sports, page 24).

r Kery O’Neill, a trainer at Focus Education Asia (FEA), recently delivered a talk on the field of ‘neuroeducation’ to teachers, parents and a handful of students at the British International School (BIS). The aim of the event was to give a brief overview of the theories that will form the foundation of a variety of courses to be held over the next three months at BIS. “We are all about providing opportunities for BIS learning in the future,” Australian-born Dr O’Neill began. Regarding educational concepts, Dr O’ Neill said, “There is no such thing as a one-size fits all, but one thing that is consistent is that you want to get the best for them and provide the most benefit.” The work of Focus Education Asia is based on translating and sharing current research in neuroscience, cognitive psychology and classroom studies – collectively known as neuroeducation. Many of the ears of the Year 10s who were in attendance at the seminar – as these will be the first to benefit from these prolonged workshops – pricked up when Dr O’Neill spoke about the latest research that FEA was focusing on. “We’re using theories and studies from video games. Those developers are aware of the different techniques and methods needed to keep children and audiences interested. “For example, the games are often designed to have an 80 per cent pass rate, so it’s not too hard or too difficult to progress to the next level. They also use random noises to retain interest.” On a more hands-on

level, an integral part of the course will involve the dissecting of sheep brains. The FEA believes this will help children, young learners and all who attend the courses to learn more about the anatomy of the brain in order to better facilitate learning. “We’re learning from a physiological perspective – it will have a scientific base but will stretch out to every element of the teaching curriculum.” BIS will be providing courses for teachers, parents and children and are open to all who have a keen interest in learning. These include Developing Critical, Creative and Curious Thinkers; How To Become a SuperStar Learner; and Developing Emotional Intelligence. Dr O’ Neill and BIS Headmaster Neil Richards both place huge importance on the latter: “Teachers will never be superceded by computers because children need the human connection and touch,” Mr Richards said. It is for this reason, among others, that Dr O’ Neill believes that regardless of how many tablet computers Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra hands over to Thai children, this will not necessarily result in an improved performance or ‘smarter’ children. She said that although technology can play an important part in a child, young person or adult’s learning, it was not the be-all and end-all of personal development. “A perfect learning environment is not just about technology, it needs to have a good combination of many different things.” For more information on fees, dates and times, visit focuseducationasia.com

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4 ENVIRONMENT

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, 7, 2012 2012 FRIDAY,SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER 7,

Dam threatens Thai tigers

Agence France Presse

proposed dam that would flood part of a national park in western Thailand represents a “significant new threat” to the kingdom’s tigers, wildlife group WWF warned recently. It said the success of conservation efforts in the area near the border with Myanmar – highlighted by new video footage of a tigress and her two cubs filmed close to the proposed dam site – were now at risk.

“As tigers need large amounts of food, especially when they are nursing their young, the new footage indicates that prey in the Mae Wong-Klong Lan forests is abundant enough to support tiger reproduction and recovery,” said WWF conservationist Rungnapa Phoonjampa. Many tiger prey species including wild pig and deer were also seen in the area, according to the group. “Years of successful conservation efforts will be washed away if the dam construction goes ahead,” said

Pets

Rungnapa. “The Mae Wong dam must be stopped or we risk losing our tigers.” Fewer than 300 tigers remain in the wild in Thailand while around the region the Indochinese tiger is under threat from shrinking habitat, illegal trade in tiger parts for traditional medicines and a scarcity of prey, WWF said. The multi-million dollar dam project would destroy more than 20 square kilometres (7.7 square miles) of national park home to sambar deer, an important prey species for tigers, the group warned. The Indochinese tiger (Panthera

tigris corbetti), is found in Cambodia, China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. These tigers are smaller and darker than Bengal tigers. Their preferred habitat is forests in mountainous or hilly regions. All existing populations are at extreme risk from poaching, prey depletion as a result of poaching of primary prey species such as deer and wild pigs, habitat fragmentation and inbreeding. In Vietnam alone, almost three-quarters of the tigers killed provide stock for Chinese pharmacies.

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“Hi my name is Leon and I’m six months old. My dad thinks I’m half Pitbull and half Thai dog because I’m really tough. My mum is Tamakorn “Boo” Khowpon, the PR manager for The Phuket News. I may look innocent in this photo, but I like chewing things and pulling out the cotton from the inside of teddy bears and pillows, causing a lot of mess around the house!”

“Woof woof, I’m Richy, a Fre nch Bulldog aged nine mont hs. I have this that I use adorable look on get specia my mother to treats – sh l snacks and ea in! My own lways gives er is Nuttharine Dear e.”

Want to see your pet here? Email your photos to editor1@thephuketnews.com thephuketnews.com

HEALTH 5

THE PHUKET NEWS FRIDAY, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2012 SEPTEMBER 7, 2012

Nurse is a knock out Jody Houton editor3@thephuketnews.com

elf-confessed chocoholic Caroline Davey never considered herself particularly energetic or fit, that is, until she turned 47-years-old and started running. From that moment on, Caroline caught the exercise bug and didn’t really stop until she completed the Iron Man competition in Busselton, Western Australia, in December 2011. “Unfortunately after I completed it,” Caroline told The Phuket News while sipping on a smoothie at the Sumalee Muay Thai gym canteen, “I kind of let myself go.” The 51-year-old paediatric emergency nurse was speaking during a break between her morning session and private one-on-one session with Thai boxing superstar Deackkalon ‘Oron’ Sor Sumalee. “There’s so many women who come to Phuket for boob jobs and things like that, but I think there is another way for women to feel good about themselves.” Caroline’s rather unorthodox method of feeling good about herself often involves pushing her body to the limits, which regularly results in numerous bruises to her body and making herself physically sick. “I feel absolutely pumped after I finish, and when I have bruises I show them to people like they are trophies. It shows that it’s been a good day,” she said. She’s aware that some may not deem her choice of exercise as suitable or appropriate for a woman her age, and this was one of the reasons she decided to travel to Thailand to take part in a month-long intensive Muay Thai course. “Where else can I go and get a one month course for so little money to work with such professionals? I have to pinch myself sometimes to know that I am

training with these kind of guys. “It’s great here; the trainers don’t care if I am a 51-year-old woman or not, they will treat me just the same. I can’t get that anywhere else, they just don’t take it seriously,” she added. She admitted that even her work colleagues and family were initially hesitant about her decision to train, but were now fully supportive, “I have three sons, and they all think I’m absolutely crazy, but when I did Iron Man for example they were all so proud and had tears in their eyes.” Although the main impetus for doing the course is what she refers to as a ‘‘full body make over’’, Caroline is also

As a 51-year-old woman there are things that I am doing now that will stay with me forever, it’s going to have a more lasting and important effect than breasts that stand to attention.

Caroline with her trainer, Thai boxing superstar Deackkalon ‘Oron’ Sor Sumalee. If it came to the crunch though, after watching Caroline wallop and whack the training pads, The Phuket News certainly thinks that she could hold her own in the ring. “I think I would be more equipped to make the right decision to defend myself or perhaps run away... I suppose I wouldn’t be as afraid or nervous.” Caroline finishes her training session on September 20, but she is already feeling the benefit physically and mentally,

and advises all young women to at least consider doing something similar. “I think it’s liberating and empowering... The emphasis on women being skinny and not having muscle is not healthy, especially when a woman gets older.” “As a 51-year-old woman there are things that I am doing now that will stay with me forever, it’s going to have a more lasting and important effect than breasts that stand to attention.”

doing it for its cathartic benefits. “Back home I have pretty high stress levels, but of course because of that working environment and working with children, I cannot raise my voice or anything like that... It’s very relaxing being able to come here and completely let loose.” Although Caroline has fully ingratiated herself into the team of fighters and now completes the daily exercise routines with ease, she still cannot stand to actually watch any fights. “I don’t like watching it. Three of the fighters went to compete the other night at Bangla Boxing Stadium, and I just could not go. I didn’t want to see them get hurt, or see the disappointment on the faces of the losers... maybe I empathise too much.” That is not necessarily a bad thing, and certainly understandable for a paediatric emergency nurse.

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6 COMMUNITY

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, 7, 2012 2012 FRIDAY,SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER 7,

Who’s your Baba?

Jody Houton meets members of the Phuket Baba community PHUKET COMMUNITY Jody Houton editor3@thephuketnews.com

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he word ‘Baba’ refers to people of mixed Thai and Chinese heritage, and although on a superficial level it might seem that the only discernible difference is the multicoloured garments members of the 10,000-strong Phuket Town community wear at traditional events, it runs much deeper. For Assistant Professor Pranee Sakulpipatana, founder of the Thai Peranakan Association of Phuket, which was established in 2006, events like this Sunday’s Baba wedding ceremony are essential. “It’s about preserving the culture and paying homage and respect to our ancestors.” Ajarn Pranee is, like many people of Baba heritage in Phuket, extremely proud and vividly aware of her past, as is Dr Kosol Taenguthai, the current President of the association.

“I am fourth generation Chinese in Phuket, my great grandfather came to Thailand about 100 years ago. During the Qing dynasty, there was lots of starvation in China, so many Chinese migrated to Malaysia. “At that time, the governments of Penang and Phuket were encouraging migrants to come to work in the tin mines, so my great grandfather, who was 40 years old at the time, and my grandfather, who was seven years old, moved here.” Dr Kosol admitted that with each generation born here, it is increasingly difficult to maintain interest in their pure Chinese past – though intriguingly the opposite is true with the mixed Baba traditions. “My children are not really interested in Chinese culture, but they are interested in Baba culture, which of course is very different. I work on educating them on this – about the culture and food especially.”

Strength in the face of adversity Despite repeated attempts at stifling it, Baba culture has evolved to be strong, distinctive and proud. Although Chinese people during the 1920s and ’30s were actively encouraged to migrate to Phuket, upon arriving many experienced prejudice, discrimination and extreme antiChinese sentiments. Field Marshal Plaek Phibunsongkhram, who was Prime Minister from 1938 to 1957 (apart from 1944-1948) was actually the son of a Cantonese-speaking Chinese migrant, but despite this he pushed aggressively for Thailand to resist Chinese influence in favour of a more Westernised lifestyle. One of his more nationalistic supporters, Luang Wichitwathakan, even compared the Chinese in Siam to the Jews in Germany. These anti-Chinese sentiments became more pronounced and extreme during the World War II, which affected more recent migrants as well as the longer-established Baba. “During that time, it was very difficult. They [Chinese] could not go anywhere and had very little food. Japan occupied Thailand from 1941 to 1945, and it was difficult to be of Chinese origin then owing to the warring relationship between Japan and China,” said Dr Kosol. He added, “Even when the Japanese government left, the Thai government still did not 100 per cent accept people of Chinese origin, either legally or really to their hearts. “My grandfather got his first Thai ID card at 70 years old, so from age seven to 70 he wasn’t recognised as a Thai citizen. He wasn’t born one, but he finally

COMMUNITY 7

THE PHUKET NEWS FRIDAY, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2012 SEPTEMBER 7, 2012 During his long rule, Field Marshal Plaek was responsible for the closing down of Chinese schools, Chinese institutions and imposing what was effectively a ban on Chinese culture in Thailand. It is all the more remarkable then that Chinese culture through the filter of ‘Thainess’ managed to survive, and become what is commonly known today as Baba, which celebrates the best of both worlds.

died as one. I am at least happy about that.” Dr Kosol’s grandfather and many Chinese people at that time experienced similar problems with regard to land ownership that people of European heritage are experiencing now in Phuket. “He had to use nominees to buy land. In fact, my parents still had a few problems, but much fewer.” During his long rule, Field Marshal Plaek was responsible for the closing down of Chinese schools and institutions, and imposing what was effectively a ban on Chinese culture in Thailand. It is all the more remarkable then that Chinese culture through the filter of ‘Thainess’ managed to survive, and become what is commonly known today as Baba, which celebrates the best of both. “He [Field Marshal Plaek] tried to make everything one colour, and forced us to wear bland clothes and even change our names,” said Ajarn Pranee.

Forging a brighter future Despite this adversity, the community continued to exist, as a walk today through the streets of Phuket Town shows. According to Dr Kosol, Phuket Town has always been for the ethnic Chinese. “During the 1930s, Thai people mainly lived in Thalang, and what is now Phuket Town was still forest. Very few people actually lived here until the tin mine was built in Kathu. “The opening of the tin mine had a knock-on effect, which led to the building of the Bang Yai canal which was used for trade between Penang in Malaysia and Phuket.” “Chinese migrants then built a market to sell goods, and the town was kind of built “My grandfather got his first Thai ID card at 70 years old, so from age 7 to 70 he wasn’t recognised as a Thai citizen. He wasn’t born one, but he finally died as one. I am at least happy about that.” – Dr Kosol Taenguthai

Top left: Members of the Phuket Peranakan Association gather on Thalang Road in Phuket Town. Left (l-r): Ajarn Pranee and Sutchada Chanchuvanichkul. Right, Baba ladies in their finery (photo: Jamie Monk).

around that. So Phuket Town always kind of belonged to the Chinese and not Thai people,” said Dr Kosol. Although Chinese language schools have since re-opened in Phuket Town, a consequence of pre- and post-war antiChinese campaigns is that a whole generation of Baba, and most locals with Chinese heritage, have missed out on learning the language, including Dr Kosol himself. “It’s been lost. My generation learned only in Thai. It’s caused a problem, sure, but it’s not a huge one because we can still learn about our culture and history through other methods. “The next generation [of Baba] will only speak Thai and English I suppose. My children, aged 10 and 15, didn’t want to learn Chinese. I wanted them to only if they wanted to, and they are not interested.” Wilai Bumrungwong is not a member of the Peranakan Association, but refers to herself as Baba. Her family owns the Kopitiam (it means coffee shop in Malay) restaurant and cafe in Dr Kosol Taenguthai the old town. For her and her daughter Wiwan, who also works in the cafe, being Baba is extremely meaningful. “I cannot explain how important it is for me to maintain Baba traditions, what they mean to our souls and way of life. We adopt and maintain them from generation to generation, and we find that we are happy and successful.”

Baba Wedding festivities There will be plenty of food, drink and entertainment this weekend, with Baba-Yaya or Peranakan Wedding festivities on September 8. The couples will spend the day and night at Sukko Spa, during which they will learn how to cook traditional ‘Baba’ food, including Hokkien-inspired chicken curry. On September 9, the brides and grooms, complete with traditional yaya blouses, skirts and white suits for the grooms will take part in a procession from the Governor’s Mansion in Phuket Town to the beautiful private residence of Hongsyok Mansion at 11am. “Once there they will pay homage to the heaven and forefathers,” said Ajarn Pranee. After lunch, from 2pm, the couples will walk to the Thai Hua Museum along Thalang Road – once the island’s main Chinese school – and be showered with confetti by the public. New to this year’s event will be a huge flower float competition, with different schools and hotels on the island competing for prizes. The newlyweds will have a group photo at the Thai Hua Museum before walking back to the Governor’s Mansion to have a huge Baba party from 6pm onwards. The event is open to everyone, not just Babas, for just B300. It is likely to appeal to the majority of Phuket people, not least of all because, Dr Kosol, believes 70 per cent of them are in fact Chinese. “The rest [of the population] is Muslim, there are very few Thai people and of course now there’s the new generations of Thai-European children being born.” But that’s another story, for another time.

Jamie Monk reports on a previous Baba Wedding

what wedding? If you are not familiar with the history of Phuket, you probably don’t know about the Baba or Peranakan culture. In a nutshell, Nyonya (female) and Baba (male) are the terms used for the descendants of mixed marriages between Chinese immigrants and locals. Malaysians use the Malay word Peranakan. Apparently the word ‘Nyonya’ is not used much in Thailand as it’s hard to pronounce, so male and female alike are often just called Baba, though Yaya is sometimes used for women. Many Chinese came to Phuket in the 19th century as traders and to work in the tin mining industry which created a lot of wealth for Phuket. Some of the biggest and richest families in Phuket are Baba families, including the Hongsyok family, who own Bangkok Hospital and the Honda, Ford and Mazda dealerships. In 2010, the Phuket Baba wedding saw some 18 couples from Hong Kong, Taiwan and China due to be wed in traditional style, meaning lots of dressing up. The wedding event started with a garden party at the Hongsyok family house in Phuket Town. I had driven past the house before and wondered who it belonged to... I entered the gates into a world of old ladies dressed in their traditional clothes. There were many more old ladies than men. A stage was set up in front of the house and seating for a good 150 people in the garden. Nothing was happening on stage yet, so I approached the house, not sure if I’d be let in. Entering this old family house was an odd experience. The history was clear; the house is from the early 20th century, and the main drawing room was full of Baba ladies chattering. It was a glimpse into another world, a Phuket far removed from tourism and modern conveniences, an old Phuket. Nobody minded me being there. It was not a private party, it had been advertised in the local papers and the event is partly organised by the TAT, but just being the only foreigner felt odd. An orchestra was starting to set up on the stage outside, and with the last of the drizzle clearing up, I also went into the garden. The older ladies started gathering in the garden to watch the show. More guests were arriving, and then the wedding couples also arrived, not all dressed up yet, as the actual wedding ceremony was to take place the next morning. After some music (including Over the Rainbow), there were speeches given (in Thai) about the Baba wedding tradition, and all were translated into English – I suppose this must be mainly for the non-Thai couples taking part in the event. I read that they paid B39,000 per couple to join the wedding. As the evening progressed and it started to get dark, it was time for me to head home. Another taste of Phuket history and culture. These events, these very local events, are what I enjoy most in Phuket. Read the full version at jamie-monk. blogspot.com

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8 DINING

THE PHUKET NEWS

The delicious moo ka ta – meat on the grill (beef, scallops and salmon), and vegetables around the outside.

FRIDAY, 7, 2012 2012 FRIDAY,SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER 7,

Mövenpick Resort Bangtao Beach Phuket Executive Chef Sascha Cyttrich.

A Thai barbecue with a twist Claire Connell editor1@thephuketnews.com

For those unfamiliar with the popular style of eating, moo ka ta usually involves a clay pot with charcoal in it. On top of this is a metal plate shaped rather like a hat with the brim turned up. On the side are plates of vegetables and thinly-sliced meat.

ed up with getting an upset stomach from dodgy “moo ka ta” (Thai barbecue) venues around the island, Executive Chef Sascha Cyttrich decided to start his own moo ka ta evenings at the Mövenpick Resort Bangtao Beach Phuket where he works. When he first arrived in Phuket six months ago, Sascha, originally from Germany, came across a moo ka ta restaurant, a small place full of locals enjoying what seemed to be delicious food, cooked on the top of a hot pan with charcoal underneath. “I didn’t understand what to do because they had limited English skills, and I did it all wrong, but I really enjoyed it,” he says. “But I went two times and I kept getting a bad stomach.” But by now he was fixated on the idea of moo ka ta – the Thai version of the well-known Korean barbecue – and decided to introduce a moo ka ta night at the Mövenpick. For those unfamiliar with the popular style of eating, moo ka ta usually involves a clay pot with charcoal in it. On top of this is a metal plate shaped rather like a hat with the brim turned up. On the side are plates of vegetables and thinly-sliced meat. Servers fill the “brim” with hot soup, and diners then barbecue the meat on the “crown” of the hat, and drop vegetables into the soup. Juices trickle down from the meat to add to the flavour of the soup. Spicy dips are also supplied. It’s a real hands-on, cook-it-yourself eating experience. Sascha said that many foreigners he spoke to were also apprehensive about visiting moo ka ta restaurants

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because of hygiene issues – most often the raw meat is sitting out on display and is not refrigerated, and is often not good quality. “I wanted to do it properly,” Sascha says, so what is possibly the island’s first “high end” moo ka ta barbecue was formed, using top quality meats, but keeping true to the tradition of moo ka ta, which means sharing food and company together in a group. The meat is a mix of beef tenderloin and ribeye steak from Australia, plus lobster, tiger prawn, German sausage, and a wide range of other fresh meats, all kept refrigerated until the very last minute when they are brought out on ice. Small portions of the raw meat are put on display at a time, so the turnover is high which means there are no food hygiene issues, says Sascha. “Because I’m a chef, hygiene is the number one rule in the kitchen – I can promise you won’t get sick.” So far it is proving a hit, with 25 people enjoying their moo ka ta dinner on the Friday night we visited, most of them residents of Phuket. Guests are guaranteed a great night out, sitting at tables in the sand on Bang Tao Beach, tasting a range of meats cooked in a very local way – just delicious. The moo ka ta evenings are held every Friday from 7pm at the beach club at the Mövenpick Resort Bangtao Beach Phuket, in Cherng Talay. Reservations recommended. Price is B990++ per person, includes one welcome drink, starters, moo ka ta, side dishes, dessert and fruit platter. Phone: 076 310 400.

Above, from top, some of the starters available; the range of meats for the moo ka ta.

THE PHUKET NEWS FRIDAY, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2012 SEPTEMBER 7, 2012

DINING 9

Dipping into Isarn Claire Connell editor1@thephuketnews.com

Above, fried chicken with lemon salad dressing; below, the famous jim joom.

ituated in the heart of bustling Mae Luan Road in Phuket Town is a relaxing restaurant named Tam Nua, which translates as “the home of good som tam”. Opened in January 2011, the cottage-like restaurant is making a name for itself for its great food and very relaxing outdoor space. As well as amazing som tam, one of the top dishes at the restaurant is the “jim joom”, a type of Thai hot pot, whereby spicy soup is cooked in a clay pot on the table and raw meat, glass noodles and vegetables are added to the soup by the diner. In Thai, jim joom means “dip on the surface, and then dip below”. The dish is so popular that most of the 10 or so tables at Tam Nua on the night I visited ordered this special Isarn favourite. At Tam Nua there are two options for ordering jim joom. For B159 you can get the basic jim joom set-up, with raw pork and chicken with sesame, intestines and liver, an egg, and vegetables. The recommended B299 jim joom comes with the same ingredients as the basic set-up, but includes seafood, chicken or pork larb, plus their famous som tam. In true Isarn style the food is very spicy, but the chefs can adapt it if you want to tone down the level of spiciness. Also a hit with customers is the deep fried fish with spicy salad and Thai herbs (pla thod yam samoon Thai), while the fried chicken with lemon salad dressing (gai krob krim manaow) is tasty if you’re not watching your waistline. Tam Nua is on Mae Luan Road, next to Sino Inn and near the Khao Rang Hill intersection. The restaurant is open daily in the evenings and has live music every night from 8pm. For bookings phone 084 249 7778.

Above, the relaxed setting at Tam Nua is perfect for socialising with friends; left, look for this sign out front when you’re trying to find Tam Nua.

thephuketnews.com

10 TRAVEL

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, 7, 2012 2012 FRIDAY,SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER 7,

5 reasons to visit Chiang Mai Words Simon Ostheimer. Photos Kiri Heald

In many ways, Chiang Mai is the antithesis of Phuket. The ‘capital’ of northern Thailand, once known as the Lanna kingdom, is a quiet oasis of peace and culture, at odds with the brash beach island to the far south. It is a city where ancient temples outnumber highrise buildings, and whose cosmopolitan residents look to the past – not future – for inspiration.

1. Visit the Sunday Walking Street This veritable institution is without doubt the best market in Chiang Mai, and, alongside Bangkok’s Jatujak, ranks as one of Thailand’s must-do shopping experiences. It runs east west through the old walled city area, running for over a kilometre along Ratchadamnoen Road. Stalls start to open around 4pm, and stay that way until around midnight. As the road becomes a pedestrian-only zone, there’s no traffic to avoid as you browse the myriad stalls selling everything from handmade bags to traditional Lanna handicrafts to antique religious statues. Added to this is a huge array of street food, the best of which you’ll find in the many temple courtyards that line the road, as well as numerous street performers – last time we visited there was a teenage violinist, blind guitar troupe, and a young boy bizarrely painted as cult Japanese manga character Doraemon. Note that the market can become very busy after 7pm, so those with large families or young children are advised to come early when it’s much quieter.

2. Find peace in the city temples There is something about Chiang Mai’s temples that truly makes them seem like places of sanctuary. There are more than 30 within the walled city alone, (and an incredible 300 in the greater metropolis), incorporating a multinational mix of influences that incorporate Lanna, Sri Lankan and Burmese styles. One of the most impressive temples is Wat Chedi Luang, which is home to a famous chedi, or stupa, that partly collapsed following a massive earthquake that hit the area in 1545. It famously used to house the Emerald Buddha, later transferred to the Grand Palace in Bangkok for safekeeping, and was controversially restored to its former greatness in the early 1990s. Other temples to visit include Wat Phra Singh, which houses the religiously important Phra Singh Buddha image, the silver-covered Wat Sri Suphan in

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the traditional silver-making district of Wualai, and the incredibly scenic Wat Doi Suthep, which sits on the slopes of a mountain outside the city.

3. Sip tea at the Raming Tea House While northern Thailand is famous for its many coffee plantations, the area also has a rich history of tea production, such as that of the Raming Tea Company (ramingtea.com). The firm was founded in 1941 by Chiang Mai farmer Prasit Poomchusri, who discovered that the teas growing wild in the surrounding mountains belonged to the same variety as the Assam teas planted in India and Sri Lanka. Now producing a huge variety of black, green, Chinese, herbal and organic teas, the best place to sample them is at the Raming Tea House Siam Celadon, a large, two storey teak building constructed in 1915. Once used as a hardware store, then a doctor’s practice, and later an Italian restaurant, a sensitive renovation in 2002 saw this colonial-style building restored to its original splendour. With no air-conditioning (the high ceilings mean there is always a breeze flowing through), it’s a charming place to spend a quiet afternoon’s contemplation with tea and cake. A large variety of celadon ceramics are available for sale in the front foyer.

4. Go shopping at the Night Bazaar The Night Bazaar is in many ways the wayward, rough and tumble brother of the Sunday Walking Street Market. Instead of handicrafts and artists, here, you’ll find tourist trinkets and touts. Still, it is an essential part of the Chiang Mai shopping experience – after all, where else are you going to find that Chang wifebeater, or Downton Abbey DVD box-set? Running along Thanon Chang Khlan, close to the Ping river on the east side of the city, stalls start setting up in the late afternoon, in preparation for the nightly tourist hordes. As well as street-side shopping,

From top: Looking west through the Tha Phae Gate, at the edge of the old walled city; a local boy painted as Japanese manga character Doraemon takes donations at the Sunday Walking Street market.

TRAVEL 11

THE PHUKET NEWS FRIDAY, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2012 SEPTEMBER 7, 2012

Where to stay

amarind Village is a unique and charming boutique property that nestles in the heart of historic Chiang Mai. Surrounded by ancient temples and quaint shopping streets, it takes its name from a magnificent 200 year-old tamarind tree that shelters the hotel in a shady embrace. Set around a series of garden courtyards, the 42 guest rooms and 3 suites reflect the rich ethnic diversity of northern Thailand by using fabrics and patterns drawn from various tribes of the region. Intimate, serene and relaxing, Tamarind Village is an oasis of calm and tranquillity, the perfect base for exploring Chiang Mai and beyond. The hotel’s current Thai Residents Offer is B3,000++ for two, including accommodation in a Lanna Room for two people, daily buffet breakfast for two, private transfers from/to Chiang Mai International Airport, and 15 per cent savings on food and beverage and all treatments at Tamarind Village’s The Village Spa. Offer valid through October 31, 2012. Tamarind Village Chiang Mai. 50/1 Rajdamnoen Road, Tambon Sri Pum, Amphoe Muang, Chiang Mai 50200; 053 418 896; reservation@ tamarindvillage.com; tamarindvillage.com

Clockwise from above: the Sunday Walking Street in full flow; the charming colonial-style Raming Tea House; monks walk past the famed stupa in Wat Chedi Luang; the Tamarind Village boutique hotel, which is set around a huge 200 year-old tamarind tree.

there are a number of arcades filled with small stores as well as a huge covered outdoor market. At times, the sheer array of items can be bewildering – especially as so many shops seem to sell exactly the same products – so the best approach is to treat it as one big tourist attraction, and only stop when you actually intend to buy something. You will require good bargaining skills, but the give and take is all part of the fun. You’ll have a far more enjoyable time if you treat it as a game. Make sure you refuel with some delicious local street food.

5. Have dinner by the Ping River Though it runs for more than 569 kilometres, from the northern Burmese border south to Bangkok, where it becomes the Chao Phraya, the small stretch of the Ping River that runs through Chiang Mai is very much the heart of the city. Often missed by tourists – who usually pass over it in a tuk-tuk on their way to the Night Bazaar – there is a thriving restaurant, bar and live music scene along the rivervside Charoenraj Road, where locals gather nightly to toast the passing waters. One of the most popular hangouts is The Riverside (theriversidechiangmai.com), which has been feeding and entertaining guests in equal measure since 1984. Meanwhile, just a little way up the river is The Good View (goodview.co.th), a great place to enjoy a quiet sunset meal, before a young Thai crowd starts arriving to sing along to live rock music. If you are visiting the city in November, you’ll witness the spectacular show that is Loy Krathong, known locally as Yi Peng, when thousands of lanterns are launched from the Ping into the night-time sky.

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12 DANE’S WORLD

THE PHUKET NEWS

Missing tourist finds herself A real life d**khead.

‘Penis-head fish’ discovered in Vietnam

new species of fish with a penis on its head has been identified in the Mekong Delta in Vietnam, according to researchers. Phallostethus cuulong is the newest member of the Phallostethidae family – small fish found in Southeast Asian waters that are distinguished primarily by the positioning of the male sexual organ. Male phallostethids have a copulatory organ, termed the ‘priapium’, under the throat for holding or clasping onto females and fertilising their eggs internally, according to conservationists. “We have scientifically identified a new penishead fish in Vietnam,” researcher Tran Dac Dinh from Can Tho University said. The fish was known to Vietnamese people in the Mekong Delta but had not been described scientifically before a team identified the species last year, he said.

n extensive police hunt to find a missing tourist in Iceland was called off last week after it turned out the lost woman had actually been looking for herself. More than 50 people were involved in the extensive search and rescue operation around the volcanic region of Eldgja in Iceland’s southern highlands. Police were called to the area after it was reported that a member of a tour party had failed to return to the bus after more than an hour. Described as being “of Asian origin, aged 20-30, about 160cm, wearing dark clothing and speaks fluent English”, police said that a woman of Asian origin, aged 20-30 and speaking fluent English joined the search, apparently not spotting the similarities. She had been on board the bus all along. “She had no idea that she was miss-

The tourist took a slightly different path to self-discovery. ing,” explained one officer. A failure to count the number of people on board, coupled with the fact the woman had changed her clothes and freshened up before getting back on the tour bus, had also contributed to the astonishing mix-up. According to reports, a helicopter was also about to be sent to the area to assist the rescue operation before fog curtailed the plans. The search was eventually called off at 3am after the missing woman was found alive and well.

White House ransoms beer recipe for 25,000 signatures

arack Obama promised, and on Saturday the White House delivered, revealing recipes for the president’s official microbrewed honey beers, following an internet campaign. The “Ale to the Chief,” punned Sam Kass, one of Obama’s chefs, on the White House blog, is “as far as we know ... the first alcohol brewed or distilled on the White House grounds.” With advice from White House staffers who brew in their own spare time,

the chefs honed a recipe – tweaked from a local brew shop’s offering – which features honey “tapped from the first ever bee-hive on the South Lawn” in the White House garden. On the blog, the complete recipe was given with precise directions. A video shows the different steps of the brewing process in the White House kitchens. The recipe can be found at: white house.gov/blog/2012/09/01/ale-chiefwhite-house-beer-recipe

Toilet maker unveils ‘poop-powered’ bike Agence France-Presse

apan’s best-known toilet maker on Wednesday unveiled a “poop-powered” motorcycle that can travel as far as 300 kilometres on a tank filled with animal waste. Billed as the world’s first waste-powered vehicle, the three-wheeler has a toilet in place of a regular seat and huge paper roll at the back. But as a young female model climbed aboard for a test drive Wednesday, toilet giant TOTO was quick to point out that she would not supply the “gas”. “The biogas it uses as fuel is not made from

thephuketnews.com

human waste. It’s made from livestock waste and sewage,” Kenji Fujita, a company spokesman, told reporters in a Tokyo suburb. “We hope to raise awareness among customers about our green campaign through development of environmentally-friendly products such as water-saving showerheads and water-saving toilets,” Fujita added. The company – which makes toilets equipped with an array of features including heated seats, water jets with pressure and temperature controls, and ambient background music – has no plans to commercialise the motorcycle.

FRIDAY, 7, 2012 2012 FRIDAY,SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER 7,

THE BIG LIST Animal Anomalies There are not many animals roaming the earth with a huge penis on their face, like the fish found in Vietnam (see left). There are, however, some pretty strange ones that seem to have spawned from our collective nightmares. Don’t worry, be happy: You catch a glimpse out of the corner of your eye, and feel all warm and fuzzy – there’s a nice big happy face staring at you from the bushes. Then you realise that said happy face is surrounded by a web of deceit, quite literally, which brings your attention to the nightmarish creature of death that’s secretly plotting your grizzly demise. This is Theridion grallatora (pictured above), a.k.a. the Happy Face Spider, a.k.a. the tasteless joke Satan himself is playing on the world’s spider experts and arachnophobes. Some think the cartoon face somehow evolved to ward off predators, presumably by convincing them they were actually having a bad acid trip. Dental plan: Resembling a human mouth with tentacles, this thing looks like it came straight from a really strange (i.e. completely normal) Japanese pornographic anime. The monstrosity known as a Promachoteuthis sulcus, is an extremely rare, deep sea squid that we only even know about because of a single specimen. Scientists are all abuzz over the squid’s strange tentacle proportions, but the rest of us are just freaked out by the teeth, which is apparently little more than an illusion: They are actually just lips that cover the more normal squid beak. We’re still not sticking our finger in. Salted pork: The Deep Sea Holothurian, better known as an abyssal sea cucumber or sea pig, sounds more like a boss from video game Zelda than an actual thing. It is only a few inches long, has no face and eats mud, which sounds more like a profile description on adultmatchmaker.com. It also has human fingers growing out of its mouth. But apparently, despite – or perhaps because of – its comical appearance, this cucumber is one of the most successful ocean dwelling species, presumably because any predator would take one look at this thing and self implode in a fit of sheer horror. Jelly belly: It’s at this point we’re starting to think ‘deep sea’ actually translates to ‘unbridled terror’. The granrojo jellyfish (‘big red’ in English) is 3-metres across, lives in the deep sea and looks like escaped female genitalia on a destructive rampage. They’ve only been seen two dozen times, so no-one really knows much about them, other than that they’re huge and gross-looking. Scientists aren’t even sure what or how they eat, presumably because anyone who has ever seen them was never heard from again. A different angle: The wolf-trap anglerfish is also known as a wonderfish, which sounds more like an inspirational children’s story than a monster of the deep. At first glance, it’s not exactly easy to figure out what’s going on with this creature. It looks kind of like a semi-retarded prawn who still thinks goatees are in fashion. Oh, and they have a freaking fishing pole glued to their head. They use the pole to catch fish though, not wolves, making them much less cool than inititally thought. Wonderfish vs Happy Face Spider, coming soon to a direct-to-DVD wholesaler near you.

FILM 13

THE PHUKET NEWS FRIDAY, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2012 SEPTEMBER 7, 2012

Third Hobbit borrows title, gets release date

Shambhala

Flawed Thai film fails to find its Shangri-La

Dane Halpin editor2@thephuketnews.com

115 minutes Rating: 13+ Director: Pa n-

japong Kongkanoi Starring: Ananda Everingham, Ase Wang, Nalintip Permpattarasakul, Sunny Suwanmethanon

ith Thai cinema so often dominated by cheesy, sentimental love stories, Shambhala promised to deliver something refreshingly different. Unfortunately, it doesn’t, and despite its high altitude setting and enormous potential, it instead falls back on the same old tired cliches in a bid to appease a wider audience. The film is the debut feature from Panjapong Kongkanoi, a veteran director of several Thai TV series, and after three years of delays and post-production work, it’s finally on the big screen. Unfortunately, Panjapong’s TV experience is what really shines through – Shambhala feels like a long, drawn out television mini-series, lacking in both scale and adequate direction, and with a paper-thin plot that doesn’t warrant its nearly two-hour run time. The film focuses on two estranged brothers who take a road trip to Tibet, each motivated by their own personal conflicts and jaded past. The younger brother, Wut (Sunny Suwanmethanon), is looking for a mythical place called Shambhala with the belief that it will help cure his dying girlfriend, Nam (Nalinthip Phermphatsakul). His older brother, Tin (Ananda Everingham), has a painful past and assuages his soul through heavy drinking, while conveniently providing plenty of comic relief (to mixed effect). The creators are obviously striving for emotional depth and attempting to

SFX Coliseum Phuket (Central Festival) Brave (E) [G]: The Dictator (E) [18+]: The Expendables 2 (E/F) [15+]: The Expendables 2 (T) [15+]: The Possession (E) [15+]: Shambhala (T/E.SUB) [15+]: Ted (E) [18+]: Virgin Am I (T/E.SUB) [15+]: Yes or No 2 (T/E.SUB) [13+]:

16:45 20:15 12:20, 14:30, 16:40, 18:55, 21:15 13:30, 15:40, 17:50, 20:05, 22:15 14:15, 16:15, 18:15, 22:15 11:40, 14:00, 16:20, 18:40, 21:00 11:15, 13:15, 15:30, 17:45, 20:00, 22:10 12:00, 14:30, 17:00, 19:30, 22:00 14:25, 18:50, 21:10

explore issues of personal loss and redemption, yet fail by trying to combine too many superficial elements in a bid to make it more accessible, and delivering an unrefined script that contains awkward dialogue and stilted plot progression. Director Panjapong has said he originally devised the film as a more intense spiritual drama, devoid of the pointless love threads that attempt to stitch the finished film together. It’s a shame that his original vision wasn’t realised, because when he focuses on the more serious spiritual elements is when Shambhala really shines, even if that is all too briefly. The performances from the two leads also leave a lot to be desired, falling comfortably into the mediocre category, not helped by the underdeveloped script. Even the ever-likeable Ananda grossly overplays his character to the point of caricature, making his arc, and particularly the closing scenes, feel forced and difficult to believe. Indeed, the only true star of the show is Tibet itself. The gorgeous landscapes and stunning mountain vistas provide the only stimulation in an otherwise dull and superficial film. Still, there are the odd moments when the characters really come to life, particularly towards the film’s climax, offering a glimpse at what could have been with a reconditioned script and tighter direction. Unfortunately, in trying to please everybody with a dumbed-down story, the filmmakers have failed to deliver their own Shambhala.

he name and release date for the third film in the upcoming The Hobbit movie trilogy have been announced, with both throwing up some small surprises. The third film will be titled The Hobbit: There and Back Again, and if that sounds familiar, it’s because the second film originally carried the There and Back Again title. The creators were forced to rethink their branding though after what was originally planned as two films was split into three. The third film will open in movie theatres on July 18, 2014, just seven months after the newly titled second film The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug arrives on December 13, 2013. The first film, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey starring British actor Martin Freeman as Bilbo Baggins, will open on December 14 this year. Director Peter Jackson, Warner Bros and New Line Cinema, and MGM announced

US BOX OFFICE TOP 10 Film

Weekend gross

Gross

The Possession

$17.7m

Lawless

$9.7m

$11.8m

The Expendables 2

$8.8m

$66.2m

The Bourne Legacy

$7.2m

$96.2m

ParaNorman

$6.6m

$38m

The Odd Life of Timothy Green

$6m

$35.9m

The Dark Knight Rises

$5.9m

$431.2m

The Campaign

$5.4m

$73m

2016 Obama’s America

$5.1m

$18.2m

$4.7m

$52m

10 Hope Springs

SFC Jungceylon Phuket (Patong) The Bourne Legacy (E) [15+]: Brave (E/3D) [G]: The Dark Knight Rises (E) [G]: The Dictator (E) [18+]: The Expendables 2 (E) [15+]: The Possession (E) [15+]: Shambhala (T/E.SUB) [15+]: Ted (E) [18+]: Total Recall (E) [13+]:

in July that the 3Dfilm adaptation of the classic novel by JRR Tolkien would be split into three films rather than the two originally envisaged. Commenting on the short wait between the release of the second and third films, Warner Bros executives said they believed the third movie would play well in the US summer – the most lucrative period for the movie industry. “We wanted to have a shorter gap between the second and third films of The Hobbit trilogy. Opening in July affords us not only the perfect summer tentpole, but fans will have less time to wait for the finale of this epic adventure,” Dan Fellman, president of domestic distribution at Warner Bros said in a statement picked up by The Hollywood Reporter. The Hobbit is the prequel to Tolkien’s epic fantasy The Lord of the Rings which Jackson made into three Oscar-winning films.

15:40, 21:30 15:50 12:30, 18:20 15:25, 19:25 11:15, 13:15, 17:15, 21:15 12:10, 14:10, 16:10, 18:10, 20:10, 22:10 11:40, 16:25, 18:50 11:30, 13:40, 17:55, 20:05, 22:15 14:00, 21:10

As some movies and movie times change every Thursday morning, after The Phuket News has gone to press, the accuracy of the following information cannot be guaranteed. For up-to-date information, visit sfcinemacity.com, or call the cinemas directly: SFX Coliseum Phuket 076-209000 and SFC Jungceylon Phuket 076-600-555.

thephuketnews.com

14 ISLAND SCENE

FEEDING THE HUNGRY GHOSTS Phuket’s Old Town came alive on Sunday morning as the Por Tor Festival celebrations began with a colourful parade, followed by a night market. The global Chinese festival is an important merit-making event, where people offer special food, such as the red turtle cake pictured, flowers and candles to their ancestors. The red colour symbolises good luck for the Chinese, and the turtle symbolises long life, good health, good luck and prosperity. The offerings are also extended to the “hungry ghosts” who are without relatives. Another parade will be held this Sunday morning, starting at Saphan Hin Plaza at 9am. Photos: Kiri Heald, Claire Connell, Paritta Wangkiat

thephuketnews.com

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, 7, 2012 2012 FRIDAY,SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER 7,

ISLAND SCENE 15

THE PHUKET NEWS FRIDAY, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2012 SEPTEMBER 7, 2012

ROCKIN’ THE NIGHT AWAY More than 100 people rocked, rolled, danced and grooved to the Lost Legends of Phuket at the Underwood Art Factory on Saturday night (September 1). The Lost Legends, Pjae Stanley, Colin “illy” Hill and Jimmy Fame aka Jim Newport and band played the blues, rhythm and blues, jazz, country and rock ‘n roll. The Lost Legends will perform regularly at Underwoods, which owner John Underwood wants to promote as a centre for artists on Phuket. Photos: Zac Underwood, Panatta Bunthanom

Paul Ropp and John Underwood. Sharon Martin and Eddie Sawiris.

Zac Underwood and Blake Jakopovic. Colin ‘illy’ Hill and Snake Piboon.

Hannah Pearce, Sarah Foster-Gross and Panatta Bunthanom.

Pjae Stanley. Mauro, the drummer.

Colin Hill, Pjae Stanley, Jimmy Fame, Mauro, Snake Piboon and Jeffrey Sevilla.

thephuketnews.com

16 ISLAND SCENE

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, 7, 2012 2012 FRIDAY,SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER 7,

HELPING THE KIDS Simon Morley, General Manager of Holiday Inn Resort Phuket Mai Khao Beach along with Annop Petcharoen, Director of Human Resources, led the hotel staff in donating a scholarship, stationery items, clothes and cleaning supplies as well as hosting lunch for more than 100 children at Phuket Sunshine Village Foundation. The event happened thanks to the resort’s “Better Life Project”, a Corporate Social Responsibility project (CSR) launched in November 2011.

DJ Kensho and DJ Mikito (Mike Edwards).

Heidi, Sarah and Ying.

Organiser Daz Smith and girlfriend Pui Mymint.

A PUMPING PARTY BY THE BEACH Several hundred people turned out for the first ever Fistpump party, held at the beautiful Secret Cove venue at Ao Yon Beach in the south of Phuket. Revellers enjoyed music by DJs Kensho, Mikito and D[r]readmongey (all based in Phuket) and entertainment by Zumba Phuket. A minimum of 5 per cent of ticket and bar sales went to the Phuket Sunshine Village Foundation.

The crew at the Secret Cove: Owner Ta, Fern, Ming, Pat, Ton and Ton.

From left, Natti, Keng, Pang and Kaew.

HONDA STAFF REFILL THE BLOOD BANK BIRTHDAY WISHES

Sri Soonthorn Municipality organised an Agriculture Clinic for The Crown Prince’s birthday on August 28.

thephuketnews.com

The National Blood Service visited Honda Anuphas Phuket on Chao Fa Road on August 29, where the Honda staff donated blood.

ENTERTAINMENT 17

THE PHUKET NEWS FRIDAY, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2012 SEPTEMBER 7, 2012

A true football legend Below, left, Phuket’s David Brook and Sir Tom Finney of Preston football club.

Winds of crisis at the Venice film festival

or all the glamorous seaside partying at the Venice film festival, there is a distinct air of austerity at this year’s edition for an industry that is questioning its economic future. The festival line-up has been slimmed and the star wattage toned down while even some movie plotlines reflect various forms of fallout from the financial crisis – from family and relationships to faith and spiritual values. “The main recurring theme is the crisis. The economic crisis, which is having devastating social effects, but also the crisis of values,” said festival director Alberto Barbera. The festival itself is feeling the pinch this year and hoteliers have been complaining they are not booked out as in previous years when rooms were reserved months in advance.

rather extraordinary football fan and former plumber, now aged 90, regularly takes his customary seat at his local football club. But this is no ordinary ground or football club, and the fan is certainly no ordinary person. The ground is Deepdale, the home of Preston North End, while the fan is one of the greatest players ever to play football, none other than Sir Tom Finney. Tom, born in 1922 within a stones throw of Deepdale, seemed an unlikely candidate to become a football legend. Frail and somewhat sickly in his youth, he stood only 4ft 9in (1.45m) aged 14, yet went on to become a giant in English league and international soccer. Preston North End, founded in 1888, is one of the original members of the English Football League. They won the first League Championship and the FA Cup in the 1888-9 season. After 112 league seasons Preston ranked as the fourth most successful English club of all time domestically, while only Nottingham County have played more league games. Preston North End play at Deepdale Stadium, built in 1875 and claimed to be the longest continu-

ously used football ground in the world. Some great names have been associated with the club – Bill Shankly (who played alongside Finney) and David Beckham, as players; Bobby Charlton and David Moyes as managers. But Preston’s greatest player without doubt was Tom Finney. Aged just 15, Tom signed as an amateur in 1937, turning full time professional in January 1940, but did not make his Preston debut until 1946 due to World War II. He quickly established himself. Within 28 days of his club debut, Finney appeared for England, going on to win 76 caps, and score 30 international goals. He played in three World Cups (1950, 1954, 1958) and was twice Footballer of the Year (1954, 1957), yet only played for one league club, Preston North End, making 433 appearances and scoring 187 goals. In the early days he supplemented his football wages by working as a plumber in the family business. He became known affectionately as the Preston Plumber, and his team mates as his “10 drips!” Unarguably he was one of the greatest players on the English and world stage. Stanley Matthews once said: “To dictate the pace and course of a game, a player has to be blessed with awesome qualities. Those who have accomplished it on a regular basis can be counted on the fingers of one hand – Pele, Maradona, Best, Di Stefano and Tom Finney”. Praise indeed from a maestro of the game. Tom retired in 1960 but his link to the club he loves continues and he now serves as Club President. Times have changed. Bill Shankly was once asked about how a star of the day compared to Finney: “Aye, he’s as good as Tommy, but then Tommy’s nearly 60 now”. Tom is slightly older now but will be found in his regular seat at every home game. Let’s hope he will be there for many more. Sir Tom Finney, truly a legend.

A kids’ night out in Patong

Kids at the Phuket Has Been Good to Us Foundation are looking forward to the entertainment.

tional schools. Organiser Angela McNoe, from the Phuket Has Been Good To Us Foundation, says, “This is a great opportunity for children from all different backgrounds to come together and be united by the joy of music. We hope to see as many children as possible coming along to support this wonderful cause.” Tickets are available from various schools on the island, or on the night at the door. All proceeds go to the foundation. Phuket Has Been

Promoters voiced Jackson doubts before death

The promoters of Michael Jackson’s ill-fated 2009 comeback concert series in London feared he was unstable, with one describing him as a “mess”, according to a spate of newly released emails. The confidential emails from Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG) obtained by The Los Angeles Times suggest that in the weeks before the King of Pop’s sudden death in June 2009, he was drinking and feared himself he could not perform. The paper said the 250 pages of messages “illuminate the extent to which top executives” at the Los Angelesbased company “were aware of doubts about Jackson’s stability” as they prepared for the 50-show engagement. “MJ is locked in his room drunk and despondent,” wrote AEG Live director Randy Phillips, to his boss, company president Tim Leiweke, in March 2009, the paper reported.

Green Mile actor Duncan dead

he Phuket Has Been Good To Us Foundation, DJ Tom the Tank and Famous nightclub present “Almost Famous– Phuket’s Ultimate Social”. The party on Saturday, September 15, is open to any child between the age of 14 and 16 years-old, and will see them dancing at Phuket roof top nightclub Famous, in Jungceylon, Patong. Tickets are B400 (including food) and the event runs from 4pm to 8pm. Patrons will be entertained by pool party games, with a variety of food and non-alcoholic beverages available. In addition, there will be fire dancers and music from well-known local DJ Tom the Tank. To ensure safety, qualified lifeguards and security guards will be on hand as well as volunteers and teachers from the Phuket Has Been Good To Us Foundation and interna-

IN BRIEF

Michael Clarke Duncan, who was nominated for an Academy Award for his role in The Green Mile, an adaptation of a Stephen King work, died Monday at age 54. Duncan’s girlfriend Omarosa Manigault, one-time star of the reality television show The Apprentice, asked for privacy through Duncan’s publicist Joy Fehily.

Japanese director Kitano defends gangster flick

Good To Us Foundation is a Thai registered charity that aims to foster vocational opportunities for Thai children through English. English is taught to over 860 children in two government schools in Phuket, including 130 residential

children who live at the school. For more information visit phuketh asbeengoodtous.org, facebook.com/phuke thasbeengoodtous, or email Angela McNoe at angela@phukethasbeen goodtous.org

Japan’s Takeshi Kitano on Monday defended the explicit violence in his new gangster flick Outrage Beyond and said it felt right to include references to the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. Kitano also conceded that his film – a complex tale of warring yakuza families that is a sequel to his 2009 film Outrage – was aimed at a wider foreign audience since his Japanese fan base was dwindling.

thephuketnews.com

18 EVENTS

THE PHUKET NEWS FRIDAY, 7, 2012 2012 List your event for FREE at thephuketnews.com/events.php FRIDAY,SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER 7,

WAHOO THAILAND 2013 SPORT FISHING TOURNAMENT Offshore The Similan Islands

19th - 21st February 2013

Proudly organised by the Rawai Beach Fishing Club, (RBFC) Phuket, Thailand.

The Westin Siray Bay, Phuket hosts the exclusive Wine List of the Year Thailand Awards dinner

57 hours of non - Stop fishing!

Saturday October 13th, 2012 A five course menu, top class wines, light entertainment, silent auctions and a ticket to witness Thailand's winning hospitality establishments. Space is limited, book it today!

THB Incl. VAT

2690.-

www.phuketticketmaster.com

Huge media coverage!

CASH AND PRIZES TOTALING OVER APPROX. 3,000,000 BAHT ($100,000) For further details please contact Warren Crowe or Andy Bright info@rawaibeachfishingclub.com Warren tel: +66 (0) 812604291 Andy tel: +66 (0) 862739948 Website: www.rawaibeachfishingclub.com RAWAI BEACH FISHING CLUB IS AN OFFICIAL SPONSOR CLUB OF THE INTERNATIONAL GAME FISHING ASSOCIATION. RBFC SUPPORTS IGFA’S STANDARDS OF GOOD SPORTMANSHIP IN RECREATIONAL FISHING

UNTIL OCTOBER 17

New Exhibit - Gomez Bueno California Surfing -Opening reception August 18 at 7pm Original art work by international artist Bueno Gomez. The Spaniard continues his run in Asia. Gomez has been living in Los Angeles since 1988. He has become a well -known and celebrated artist, with a passion for love of the underground, graffiti and protest. His work has been displayed in galleries in Los Angeles, New York and Spain. Contact Mom Tri’s VR Gallery in Kata Noi, 076 333 568, www. momtriphuket.com.

UNTIL SEPTEMBER 28

Pizza & Pasta Feast Back again for your dining pleasure! All you can eat Pizza and Pasta served hot from the stove DiVine style. Enjoy a la minute cooked on order of Pizza, Pasta and Salad. The cost is B550 per person for food only. It is B650 per person with one glass of Italian wine. Food with free flow of Italian wine is B850 per person. Monday - Friday at 5pm - 9pm. For reservations, please contact DiVine Restaurant call 076 336 000.

UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30 Wine & Cheese Pairing Time for a wine and cheese boost. Relax with a glass of wine from our extensive cellar and a cheese platter while being entertained by a wide variety of sports on our big screen. The cost is B380 per person.

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SEPTEMBER 16

SEPTEMBER 29

It is B650 for two persons. Prices subject to 10% service charge and 7% applicable government tax. For reservations, please contact DiVine restaurant. Call 076 336 000, www.thanyapura.com.

SEPTEMBER 8

Starwood Mini Marathon for Charity at Koh Siray

The finest products and services available in Phuket, all in one place for a couple of days. At Jungceylon Shopping Complex, Patong. September 8 from 7 pm onwards, the IBAP Business Fair 2012 will host its networking party at Famous Nightclub, in Jungceylon, Patong. Great shows, good food and two complimentary drinks are included in the tickets. A night not to be missed. Organized by Events Thailand and IBAP. Contact Jorge 089 725 6994. See eventsthailand.net

Starwood hotels and resorts is set to host its inaugural charity mini marathon on Koh Siray (Siray Island) to raise funds for UNICEF and local Phuket charities such as the Good Shepherd and Koh Siray School. The race is expected to draw in excess of 700 participants from all over Phuket and will kick off on Sunday 16 September at 6.15am. The mini marathon route is 10.5 km in length and will lead participants through the tropical scenic landscapes of Koh Siray while the charity walkers will leisurely stroll a 5 km course. The price for registration for the mini marathon is B300 per runner and the charity walk is priced at B250 per person. Participants can also take part in a charitable lucky draw for a chance to win over 60 fantastic prizes. Tickets are available for purchase up until and on the day of the event for B100 each. Participation packs and lucky draw tickets are available for purchase at The Westin Siray Bay Resort & Spa, Phuket. To register call 076 335 600.

SEPTEMBER 9

SEPTEMBER 19-23

IBAP Networking Party 2012

A Mindful Weekend Yoga Retreat New Life Foundation in Chiang Rai is pleased to announce a four-day retreat in September with our friend Kim Roberts on our beautiful sustainable farm. This is an excellent chance to learn with a truly inspiring and experienced yoga instructor and meditation teacher. Single room/twin share room B6,500 per person. Please contact us at: retreats@newlifethaifoun dation.com.

Disco Fever at Taste Surin A night of charity and celebrations. Dress to D.I.S.C.O the night away to the tunes of DJ Jay Le Shark, as you swing back your free shots on arrival and dig into your very favourite BBQ buffet. All this and more for a great cause as all proceeds go to The Good Shepherd Charity. Ticket B1,200 (all tickets have to be prepaid). Venue: Taste restaurant, Surin Beach. Bar opens 7.30pm till late night. Contact 087 886 6401.

OCTOBER 15-23

Phuket Vegetarian Festival The Phuket Vegetarian Festival is an annual event held during the ninth lunar month of the Chinese calendar. It is believed that the vegetarian festival and its accompanying sacred rituals bestow good fortune upon those who religiously observe this rite. During this time, local residents of Chinese ancestry strictly observe a 10-day vegetarian or vegan diet for the purposes of spiritual cleansing and merit-making. Sacred rituals are performed at various Chinese shrines and temples and aesthetic displays such as walking barefooted over hot coals and ascending ladders with bladed rungs are performed by entranced devotees known as “Ma Song”.

OCTOBER 23 Chulalongkorn Day A public holiday in remembrance of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) in 1910. Thai people lay flower wreaths at his statue in Bangkok and in the provinces. Piya Maharat is the nickname for the King, meaning the beloved great king.

THE PHUKET NEWS FRIDAY, List your event for FREE at thephuketnews.com/events.php FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2012 SEPTEMBER 7, 2012

EVENTS 19

Ao Chalong Yacht Club Everyone welcome

“Award winning chef from Airlie Beach, Australia. Fabulous breakfast, and authentic western Sunday roast from 12 - 4pm - just like home! Home made desserts eg. cheesecake, bread & butter pudding, apple pie made fresh every day.”

Summer Promotions! Best mini golf in Phuket! Phuket Adventure Mini Golf – fun for everyone! A challenging 18 holes miniature classic championship golf course surrounded by palm trees, stones, water, bamboo and bushes. Designed and built together with Scandinavian Adventure Golf. Whether living close by or here on a fabulous holiday, this is the place for the whole family, friends and couples to enjoy at all times. Contact 076 314 345, 080 147 2468, www.phuketadventuremi nigolf.com.

There is parking on site, cool breezes and a beautiful view. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner from 8.00am 7 days per week. Tel: 090 890 8993 email: amandaleehay@bigbond.com

FRIDAYS

SUNDAYS

Sunday Roast Pork

Steak Night Buffet at Centra Ashlee Hotel Patong Char grilled and delicious. Tender cuts of quality meats cooked to perfection. Tasty side dishes, selection of fine sauces and a deliciously fresh salad bar. Start from 6.30pm-10pm. Contact 076 349 800-7, email chp@chr.co.th.

Sunday Roast Pork or Beef Dinner every Sunday 2pm onwards Expat Hotel, Soi Taipan, Patong. B290 per person. See www. expathotel.com.

skewers, salmon quesadillas, grilled corn cob, desserts from our bakery and much more. Our house band will be here to play live music. B495 or B795 include free flow Chang draught and Sangria. See www. twochefs.com, call 076 286 479, karon@ twochefs.com.

EVERY DAY See www.twochefs.com, 076 284 155, kata@twochefs.com.

TUESDAYS

................................................................................

Double Happy Hours

Pool Competition at Expat Guesthouse

................................................................................

Pool Competition every Tuesday 9pm Expat Guesthouse Sports Bar, Patong. See map at www.expatguesthouse.com.

Come hear the loving words of Jesus Pool Competition at Expat Hotel Pool Competition at 9pm. Expat Sports Bar, Expat Hotel, Soi Taipan, Patong. www. expatsportsbar.com.

SATURDAYS

At The Seed Church in Cherngtalay. Enjoy a great fellowship, practical preaching, contemporary music and free snacks in one of the fastest growing churches in Thailand! English services every Sunday at 2pm in Cherngtalay. Visit our website for directions or call for more information. See www.seedchurchthailand.com. Call 098 764 5353, 084 056 7027, 081 891 2503.

WEDNESDAYS

................................................................................

Traditional Home Cooked Food Pool Competition: Meet The Best Players in Town

Two Chefs Saturday Brunch At Two Chefs Kata Centre. Every Saturday 12pm-3pm, you can enjoy a big delicious buffet with a touch of Scandinavia, and listen to our live music. For example: Our home-smoked salmon, smoked prawns, Swedish meatballs, roasted porkloin, homemade bread, delicious desserts and much more. B395 or B695 include free flow of Chang draught, wine, Sangria. See www. twochefs.com, 076 330 065, katacenter@ twochefs.com.

................................................................................

BBQ at Expat Hotel Time 8pm, Expat Sports Bar, Expat Hotel, Soi Taipan, Patong. www.expatsportsbar.com.

Lazy Sunday Jazz Morning at Paresa Kick back and enjoy a lazy Sunday breakfast at Paresa with jazz music, free flow sparkling wine and stunning selection of breakfast dishes. Spend the rest of the day at Paresa’s Infinity Pool or Beach Club. B600++ per person. Every Sunday 9am to noon. Call 076 302 000.

Designed and built by Thai-Canadian family in 2011, The Plaza is a very fine sculpture and wall relief garden and entertainment centre. Artist’s pictures can be seen at the plaza walls all year around. The art pieces are donated by “The Unique One” rare selection of art by Khun Manop and Mike. Pool competition is sponsored by Komodo Bar at 9pm. Entry fee B100 plus one free local beer. Come on everybody-let’s party. Call 082 280 3282.

................................................................................

MONDAYS Two Chefs Surf Night

At Two Chefs Kata Beach. Every Monday from 6pm-12am. You can enjoy our big BBQ Buffet with Blackened red snapper, beef burgers, Chicken Fajitas, Tacos, ChimiChurri marinated chicken, desserts from our bakery and much more. One member from our house band will sing pleasant music during the night. Only B495.

At end of the Rawai beach strip, Rawai Plaza is the best entertainment venue for those who seek a bit more fun after a good meal. Listen good music, enjoy sport on large TV. Play pool or dart games or just enjoy the unique surroundings. Selected cocktails B90, bottled beer: Singha, Heineken, San Miguel 60B Tiger Leo, Chang B50. House Liqueurs: Vodka, Gin, Rum, Wine 70B, Scotch B70, Sangsom B60. At 4pm-8pm and midnight till late. Plus free pool sponsored by Komodo Bar. From 8pm- 9.30pm. Come on everybody-let’s party. Call 082 280 3282

Two Chefs Tex Mex Night At Two Chefs Karon 6pm-1am. Every Wednesday you can enjoy Phuket’s best Mexican food. Chili con carne, Mexican rice, Mexican springrolls, nachos, pork fillet

Traditional home cooked food, also special club membership for expats entitling members to discounts on food and drink. Ask Jamie for details. All major sporting events shown live on big screen. Sugar Reef opposite Tescos Cherngtalay. www. sugarreefbar.com.

................................................................................

Surin Beach Just Got Better Sea Breeze has joined forces with The Burger Bar and Beach Club to bring you not only superb Thai cuisine in a beach front setting but also an excellent range of gourmet 100% Australian beef burgers. To celebrate we are offering up to two free kids meals with any two full paying adults. Look for the voucher inside this paper. Live sport every day including our 100” HD screen. Ask about our new Pool Club, plus kids and adults parties planned and catered for. Contact 076 270 399, info@seabreezesurin. com, www.thebestbeachclub.com.

thephuketnews.com

THE PHUKET NEWS

20 TIME OUT

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2012 FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2012

KNOW WHERE THIS IS? GUESS RIGHT AND WIN!

GERRY’S

editor@thephuketnews.com thephuketnews.com/ login-game-view.php

view

THIS WEEK’S HINT:

“Whether you require a new computer, computer parts, new mobile phone, camera or most anything techie you can find it in this location in on the outskirts of Phuket Town in a large mall. This location is frequented by locals and visitors and the array of gizmos and accessories and newly minted equipment dazzles the mind, all intended to loosen your purse strings into joining the Gen Y in their craze for new technologies. Happy shopping.”

– Gerry Cummings

EMAIL US ENTER ONLINE

www.photohutgroup.com

editor@thephuketnews.com thephuketnews.com/ login-game-view.php

GUESS THE CORRECT LOCATION AND WIN A B500 GIFT VOUCHER FROM PHOTO HUT

Congratulations go to Korntip Reankrai and Teddy Ismael who both correctly guessed that last week’s photo was of the Thalang National Museum, which is located about 200 metres east of the Heroine’s monument on route 4027. The building can be missed as it is on a very small soi off 4027, but is adjacent to the Supercheap store that can be used as a marker. If you haven’t visited this museum you should, as it does have some very worthy exhibits and lays out the history of this island and Phang Nga.

1. Garnet is the birthstone for which month? 2. Who or what is a thrips? 3. What is the plural of the word ‘mongoose’? 4. Which the world’s longest mountain range? 5. What colour is the tongue of a Chow Chow? Answers at the foot of the page.

Across

Down

1. Company in pit make embroidered loop. (5) 4. Metal blocks farm animals. (4) 6. Slap about range. (4) 10. Nude, they say – the French Oriental food. (7) 11. Mat and I born for daytime entertainment. (7) 12. Small boy’s pliers. (6) 13. An Athenian place, in the long run. (8) 16. Implacable about not sending money. (11) 18. Whichever way you turn it, it doesn’t work. (3) 20. A Roman Catholic curve. (3) 22. About code, not as much as unrelenting. (11) 24. The plane, confounded animal! (8) 25. Two loud noises in the long grass. (6) 28. Mistake convict with detonator. (7) 30. In pen, the French are with it. (2,5) 31. Traditions and law, so to speak. (4) 32. British Rail that is cheese. (4) 33. Pale turnover. (5)

1. Writer in bit of consular promontory. (9) 2. Motorbike axe. (7) 3. Diacritical edit back about student. (5) 4. Sop up? Yes. Flowers. (4) 5. General Electric meter stone. (3) 7. Put to death Irish feller and editor. (7) 8. Gertrude’s drinking vessel. (5) 9. Strange, to take student in and throttle. (8) 14. Bird place has a six with a railway. (6) 15. Flower part: don’t move, chaps! (6) 17. Dream god hopes rum is brewed. (8) 19. Shuttle channel. (9) 21. Not as dirty as janitor. (7) 23. The unborn sober my confusion. (7) 24. Formerly one hundred, the Spanish surpass others. (5) 26. Fabulous fellow, a point to bribe. (5) 27. A bit of sacrilege may irritate. (4) 29. Hesitate? Right, that’s a mistake. (3)

Solutions to last week’s puzzles:

Answers to this week’s Pop Quiz: 1. January; 2. A small insect; 3. Mongooses; 4.The Andes; 5. Blue or black.

thephuketnews.com

SUDOKU

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2012

thephuketnews.com

16 CLASSIFIEDS

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2012

JOBS

Phuket Tai Chi Learn to control your movement, stillness, and balance > 19

classifieds@thephuketnews.com

land Co.,Ltd. is now looking for shop assistants to join our team at Laguna and Surin beach store. We offer good salary and commission. Please send your CV to pandhaj@paulropp.com.

Receptionist: Male or Female. Age 22-28. Good command in English, Customer Service experience preferred. Wo r k i n g w e l l u n d e r pressure. Salary 15K up. Please contact Sea Smile Dental Clinic 076 340 066.

Immediate Primary EP Vacancy: We are looking to appoint a qualif ied teacher to star t at PPAO Ban Maireab School in Kathu as soon as possible. Applicants must have a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree and a TEFL certificate. 087 815 3518.

Shop Assistant Required: Paul Ropp Thai-

Class Act Media is Phuket's leading media company, publishing The Phuket News, Phuket's leading weekly English Newspaper, and broadcasting Live 89.5, Phuket's premier English radio station. Due to recent expansions we are seeking the following position:

Sub-Editor/Sports Editor (Thai or Expat) Responsibilities: Oversee local and international sport section  Sourcing and writing story material  Rewriting and proofing articles for online and print  Final page proofs  Uploading web content 

Real- Estate Staff Wanted: Looking for full time Thai staff, fluent spoken/written English and real estate business exper ienc e required. Please send an e-mail with a photo to info@ molokophuket.com.

Office Assistant: Office Assistant for Villa Suksan Development. Full time. 6 days. Good English written and spoken. Contact Kay, email: sales@villasuk san.com.

Qualifications: University degree in Journalism or similar Three years’ editorial experience. Online editing experience preferable.  A keen eye for detail, an inexhaustible passion for words and innate feel for the English language  Passion for sport an advantage but not essential  

Please send your resume, relevant writing clippings and salary expectations to:

managingeditor@thephuketnews.com or call 076 612 550-2 for more info.

Content Writer Needed: We are Media and Marketing company who require a content writer for various websites covering different topics. Subject matter will vary so the ability to research is also necessary. Topics could be as diverse as Search Engine Optimisation to Anger Management, so good research skills will also be necessary. The successful candidate will have excellent command of English spelling and grammar. Send CV to info @ spikemediagroup.com.

Sales and Admin Assistant Wanted: We are looking for a passionate sales person to join the team at Oriental Living Interior Showroom in Bangtao. Do you have experience in sales and admin in a retail business? Call us today! 081 400 4678.

thephuketnews.com

Class Act Media is Phuket's leading media company - publishing The Phuket News , Phuket's leading weekly English Newspaper and broadcasting Live 89.5 – Phuket's premier English radio station. Class Act Media also has other publications and a host of other products in Phuket and Samui. Due to recent expansions we are seeking the following position

Sales Manager Thai or Foreigner (Located in Phuket) Responsibilities : - Managing the sales team (including responsibility for recruitment of new sales staff when needed) - Weekly & monthly sales budget meetings and reporting - Developing and following up new sales leads - Reaching own personal sales targets and responsibility for reaching team targets We offer: - Competitive salary, bonuses and travel expenses - Friendly work environment - Social security (10%) paid by the company - Excellent career progress opportunity ***The company may offer accommodation plus local transportation costs to successful candidates.***

Interested candidates are invited to send application with full resume in English indicating qualifications, experience, expected salary with recent photo via email to adminmgr@the phuketnews.com

Please email full resume in English indicating expected salary with recent photo to

adminmgr@thephuketnews.com or call 076 612 550-2 for more info.

Graphic Designer wanted: S PI K EM EDIA is a creative media agency based in Phuket working for a variety of national and international clients. We are seeking full-time Graphic Designers to work on a diverse range of print and web design projects. Salary depending on experience and talent level. Please send CV ’s and some samples of work to: info@ spikemediagroup.com.

Accountants/ Bookkeepers: Experienced Thai staff for immediate openings. English, written and verbal, are essential. Salary based on qualifications. Email resume to hr@ freshgardenfarms.com.

Pizza Maker / Cook: Full time! (only Thai applicants) see www.phuketad ventureminigolf.com or call 080 548 3345.

Kindergarten Teacher: Female caucasian naChief Accountant: tive English speaking teachThe successful candidate will receive a competitive salary and benefit package. Please email resume in English to General Manager: Jeanette@thecape -residences.com.

er with experience to teach class of 10-12 children ages 2-6, Mon-Fri, 8am - 4pm, Chalong. Please contact 080 624 7060. www.budsphuket.com, email buds. span@yahoo.com.

Cook/ kitchen cleanOffice Staff Wanted: er: Another Thai national Female, English-speaking staff to work in nice environment with outgoing personality and basic bookkeeping skills. Call K. Nam 076 272 702. Island Curtains.

cook required for expanding boat charter company. Thai and farang food. Cooking experience a must. Phone Khun Addy for more details. Call 086 011 5340.

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2012

CLASSIFIEDS 17

List your ad for FREE at thephuketnews.com/classifieds.php

JOBS IN PHUKET

Business Assistant For expat couple from NZ operating multiple businesses What you need Must be fluent in English and Thai Basic Book keeping skills  High level of organisation  Initiative to tackle new challenges (Most important)  Ability to deal with Thai contractors, service providers and investigate suppliers  General administrative tasks including typing, filing, internet research and preparation of Power Point presentations  Friendly outgoing “Can Do” attitude required  Your own Transportation  

Swimming Pool Industr y: Wanted: an electrician with electronics and pump motor repair experience, part time leading to full time .Ideal for semi retiree. Please contact 076 620 193, 081 797 5545, Email info@ mobilepooldoctor.com.

What we offer Varied and interesting work Relaxed and motivating employers A high level of remuneration (Discussed at interview)  Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm Normal hours  Work from employers home  Work from your home  Laptop and Mobile provide   

Please send applications in writing with your CV to;

Ms Janette Dixon janette.d@xtra.co.nz

Drama Teacher Needed: HeadStart InternaOffice / Administration for Irish Pub at Jugnceylon: Female

Bar Staff with basic cooking: Experienced bar tender/barstaf f, with good command of English and basic food cooking and preparation skills (bistro food). Must have 1 year experience. Some overtime required. Call 080 143 3660.

Two Native English Teachers: For two -

five+ year old pre-school children. For more information call, text or email to +66(0)82 812 3610, email turnery5@gmail. com.

/Thai , fluent in speaking and writing English, good computer skills. Accounting and administration skills required. Preferably experience at least two years. Email: tommak ornc@gmail.com or call 076 366 085.

tional School is looking for a certified native English speaker to teach Drama for after school activities to kids ages 5-teenage. Call 081 968 1562.

Assistant Hotel Manager: Assistant Hotel Manager to assist GM in maintaining a successful and profitable Hotel - 42 room Boutique Hotel in Karon. - Bachelor’s degree in Sales or Hotel Management or at least two years management experience - Managing 32 staff - Thai national, fluent in English - Knowledgeable in MS Word, Excel, Photo Shop - S a l a r y B18 , 0 0 0 per month plus service charge - Email CV to sales@ ccbloomshotel.com.

Sales Representative: Head of English De- Our company is specialpartment: We are looking ized in product development for a Thai Female Nationality with teaching skills to handle four English teachers to teach English to our Security Guards. Contact 081 607 6637.

and distribution of high quality beverages. Please send your most recent resume, picture, and cover letter to hr@premiumthaibrands. com.

Sales & Marketing Manager: We are looking for: *Thai individual who possesses experience in sales and marketing or as a sales/marketing manager. *This individual must be very responsible, and must be able to lead a team. *Can converse in English (speak/read/write) with ease, and can work with different types of media. *Has strong computer skills, (Microsoft Office, Photoshop etc). *Is outgoing, comfortable with people, clean and presentable to the public. *Have good social connections around Phuket. Duties include taking care of new marketing projects, recruiting sales, attending PR functions, maintaining monthly budgets and reports, as well as business proposals. Must be willing to learn about all aspects of the Two Chefs company and services. Please apply by email: billy@twochefs. com.

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18 CLASSIFIEDS

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2012

BUY&SELL

Commercial building for sale in Kathu Prime location > 21

โรงเรียนสอนภาษากะทูภู้ เก็ต KATHU PHUKET LANGUAGE SCHOOL

Learn Thai For 200 Hrs. and Get 1 year VISA Offering German Consulate A1 Course. Tel.084-0085673 www.phuketacademy.com email:khroojee@gmail.com

BOATS & YACHTS

build for diving and day trips, international survey, excellent condition, side entry and exit, seats for 35 people, sundeck, bathroom, big cooler, two outside showers, places for 50 scuba tanks, VHF Radio, storeroom, lighting for night diving, good for business best design on the island. Call 084 188 4544, email: michahildner@hotmail.com.

Near New Inflatable Tender: West Mar ine

EDUCATION

Sell Freelance Company: Sell freelance (Diver.OK) company B40,000. Call 086 280 9282 Marc.

BUSINESS SERVICES

hypalon RIB 3.5 metre including all accessories. Plus SAIL (made by Yamaha) 15 HP four stroke outboard. One month old. B175,000 negotiable. Call 08 7388 3090.

Indo Construction: 40 years’ experience and more than 20 years at your service in Thailand. Main contractor: study project, architecture design and construction and management. 076 381 895.

L u x u r y Ya c h t f o r Sale: For sale 2002 Bertram 510 Flybridge luxury yacht. USD825,000. Email mar tin@phuketfishboat. com.

BUSINESSES FOR SALE Fi shi n g Ya c h t f o r S a l e: F o r s a l e 19 9 1 Tairia sport fishing yacht USD275,000. Please email mar tin@phuket fishboat. com.

Custom build Speedboat: 49 foot f iberglass Speedboat. build 2011,3 Honda Engines a 225 Hp, custom

Charter Fishing Business: Owner is changing business disciplines and wants to exit the charter fishing business. For sale ‘02 Bertram 510 Flybridge and ‘91 Tairia sport fishing yacht. Plus website and all past customers. www. phuketfishboat.com, email mar tin@phuketfishboat. com.

Tile It: Thalang. Wana Park on Srisoonthorn Rd. Phuket’s quality tile boutique. Tiles for interior, exterior, residential, commercial. Contact 076 620 168 or 081 424 2828. Email info@ tile-asia.com.

Natural Mountain Stone: Original from ancient time. Shaped by expert craftsman. Unique with its texture and colors. Harmony with traditional and contemporary. Commit to best and always available to our valued customers. Call +66 (08) 1719 6930. Email: info@maxxnova.com

Farang Food Paradise: Your specialist of imported food and drinks in Phuket. Visit our shop at the Billion Plaza, opposite Tesco Lotus. Contact: 076 612 733, 076 248 900. www.phuketfood.com.

Club Asia Fitness: Royal Phuket City Hotel. Of fers Zumba /LesMills classes/ weight training/ s a u n a /s te a m /s w i m m i n g pool, all inclusive. For a free trial workout, come along and join the action. Tel 076 35 4 027, 087 275 3614. www.clubasiaphuket.com.

COOKING CLASS

CHILDCARE Buds Nursery: Phuket’s oldest bi-lingual international childcare facility. High-quality, time-proven schedule and curriculum. Now in brand new purpose-built school. Experienced native English teachers to teach ages 1 1/2-8. Mon-Fri 8am -5pm. Bus service available from Patong, Karon, Kata, Phuket, Rawai and Chalong. Website: www.buds-phuket. com.

CLUBS & MEMBERSHIPS SK A L I nt e r na t i onal Phuket: Skål is a professional organisation of leaders from all branches of the travel and tourism industry. www.skalphuket.org.

Kathu Phuket Language School: Enjoy living in Thailand for one year or more. Get the most out of your stay here by learning Thai for 200 hrs. and get a VISA for FREE. Contact person: Khun Jirancha Khongsuk. 9/4 Moo 6 Wichitsongkram Road, Kathu, Kathu, Phuket 83120 Thailand. 076 323 201, 084 304 6521, 081 417 0478. Email: khroojee@gmail.com, www. visathaiphuket.com.

Russian Language for Your Kids: Are your

Phuket Cooking Academy: Offers many cooking and baking classes in our top-class professional facilities. Come to learn how to cook with our professional chefs and discover the art of bakery, and Thai and European cuisines. Open to all from the age of 12 years old and without any prior cooking experience. For more info visit us at: www. phuket-cooking-academy. com or call 081 821 40 64.

children starting to forget Russian? Sign up to our Russian Language For Kids program. Visit http://PhuketRussian School.com.

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS FOR SALE TV Large Screen/Samsung II for Sale: T V large screen 70 cm old model B12,000. Samsung II mobile new, still in unopened box from Europe will unblock B15,200. Call 089 972 3861.

Baby and Maternity Items for Sale: Gently used Maternity clothes and baby items including a Graco Playard, bottle sterilizers, Avent bottles, pop-up tent, Met Tai carrier. Located in Chalong. Email for photos and prices at kiriheald@ gmail.com.

thephuketnews.com

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2012

CLASSIFIEDS 19

List your advert for FREE at thephuketnews.com/classifieds.php MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS FOR SALE

MOTORBIKE SERVICES Dynamic Tyre Balancing: Dynamically balance your motorcycle tyres for a smoother ride with DYNA BEADS! Available at West Coast Service Center Phuket, your big bike specialist on the bypass road. Contact 085 785 4440.

Jacuzzi Shower Half Price Sale Include: • Blue/black temp. glass • Touch screen panel • FM radio • Telephone receiver • Back massage jets • Foot massage machine • Rain shower • Soap dispensers • Mirror 3 models B46,000-B69,000 Safeway-main Highway, Thalang (Next to Shell gas station) 081 125 1873 - 081 892 4804

Health Food : Online health food in Thailand. Good Karma, all natural healthy, natural and organic products. Please contact 082 276 1675, w w w.g o o dkar mat hailand. com.

BUY & SELL IN PHUKET

Mobile toilets B2,80 0/M month. Chalong, opposite Wat Chalong. Thalang, main highway. Please contact 076 313 235 or 081 125 1873.

PERSONAL SERVICES

Sound Engineer! AV Home system! : We’re exper ts in systems and control designs of highest quality Home Automation, AV, Cinema Room, Lighting Control. Professional services certified by CEDIA. English speaking call +66 (08) 1719 6930. Email: i n f o @ m a x x n ova . c o m , www.maxxnova.com

MOVING & STORAGE

Atmanjai: World’s best natural health programmes to improve health, reduce stress, weight loss, detox, rejuvenation, vitality and overcome disease. See atmanjai.com.

Bon Café Phuket: A

We Sell Boxes & Moving Supplies: At MY STORAGE Self Storage you can buy quality moving and packing supplies like individual boxes, bubble wrap, packing tapes & knives plus secure padlocks. We also help you to move and store. Call 076 292 909.

Safeway Storage: Self storage from B800/M. Container rental B3,000/M. Sales/ Site of fice A /C B6,000/M.

• Movement • Stillness • Balance M obile:0 81-728 - 9 9 8 0 Email: Serenethai@yahoo.com

Personal Trainer: Ful-

ly-qualified female personal trainer from the UK. With guaranteed results and over 10 years of experience in men and women’s health and fitness. Pre- and post-natal exercise. Nutrition and weight management. For a free consultation. Contact Sarah on 084 985 8161, email: sarah@ one2one-fitness.net.

producer of premium coffee blends and powdered mixes as well as selling, maintaining, servicing and repairing all major brands. Contact 076 355 600-1.

Prot e c t Yo u r H o m e w i t h C C T V: C C T V & alarm service. Protect your home with high-quality CCTV camera,and GSM alarm. Free survey and quote. Please call 086 105 8144 or click www. huketechnology.com.

Backgammon: Players Wanted. Tel: 081 577 8443, email: phuketconnection@ yahoo.com

Haris & Hawryluck - Attorneys at Law: Unit 6D CCM Complex. Please contact 076 510 111, email info@ hhlegaladvisors.com, www. hhlegaladvisors.com.

English-Russian Translations: Professional

Are You Thinking Of Getting A New Dog O r Puppy ?: Please

translator specialized in translation of contracts and agreements in real estate field, web sites and tourist information. Email malaikaya@yahoo.com for more info.

consider adopting a homeless dog, rather than buying from a pet shop or puppy mill. Contact: Gone2thedoggies@gmail.com

If your interested in seeing some of the many dogs looking for a new home.

Buon A p p et i to: D e li market and bistro. Number one supplier of Italian Deli in Phuket. Please call 076 384 273, email info@buonappetitogroup.com, www.buonappetito group.com.

PET HOSPITAL Chaofah Pet Hospital:

PET ADOPTION Why buy a pet?: Soi

Ghost Writer: For life story of successful business man.Gambler, playboy, world traveler now living Patong Beach. Email: pent house2102@gmail.com.

Dog Foundation have over 300 beautiful dogs and puppies available for adoption. Fully vaccinated and sterilised. Contact 085 574 4258 or email cindy@soidog.org.

8/28–29 Moo 9, Chaofah East Road. Contact 076 283 365.

POOL TABLES Phuket Pool Tables: www. phuketpooltables.com. Your number one billiard and snooker supplier in Phuket. Sales, rent and profit-sharing. All accessories and services. Call 081 823 4627.

thephuketnews.com

20 CLASSIFIEDS

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2012

PROPERTY

Restaurant on sale for B5.9 million Three floor building > 21

Kamala Two Brand New Villas: Two bedrooms, two

Discount Rentals

bathrooms, Western kitchen, 130 sq metre. Nice garden with large pool in quiet area. Price: B5.5 million or minimum three-month rental. Call 081 496 9070 (Eng/Swedish) or 081 719 1175 (Thai).

Daily / Weekly / Monthly / Lease LUXURY VILLAS NEAR LAGUNA

Info: 089 594 4067 Kata Beach For Rent:

PROPERTY FOR RENT

Chom Tawan - Villa 9 - Rental: Phuket - West. B15,000 - B30,000 per night. Unit Size: 241.90 sq metre. Land Area: 851sq metre. Short and long terms. Contact 076 239 967, see www. cbre.co.th.

Furnished House for Sale/Rent in Kathu: Land size 153.85 sq metre. Fur nished, garden, swimming pool. For sale B17,000,000 or rent plus Honda civic B65,000 per month. Contact ket.phuket@ hotmail.com.

Nice House for Long Term Rent: Just a few minutes walk to Naiharn beach. Two-three bedroom, aircon. two bathroom, kitchen, garden. Minimum one year B15,000. Call 081 397 1835.

Private Pool Villa For Rent: Three bedrooms, three bathrooms, full furnished. Five minutes to Chalong centre, 10 minutes to Rawai Beach. Please contact Khun Poy for more details: 089 472 9870 or 086 471 522.

Fully Furnished Homes for Rent: Fully furnished 1-3 air-con bedroom rental homes. Quiet area near Ao Yon beach, Cape Panwa. 1bdr start from 9,000/m, 2-3 bdr from 20,000 free wifi, Tel. 081 892 4311, http://panwagreen. weebly.com.

House for Rent-Kathu:

Loft Style Flats: Central

Two b e dr o o ms / t wo bat h rooms. Calm and clean area. Built in early 2012, first occupant. Aircon in all rooms. Floor area 120m2 + back and front yard, furnished. Call 091 034 0035.

location with easy access to main roads, near Bang Wat dam Country Park in the middle of the island. The area is quiet, minimal traffic, great walking and running around the dam. Call 086 664 5575.

5 star apartment, stunning seaviews with all Mod Cons, pool, gym, restaurant. A must see, call James 090 864 4519. Well worth a viewing.

PROPERTY FOR SALE Mission Heights Residence

Designed specially for families, the Mission Heights Residence offer very spacious 540 sqm houses, all with 12 metre long swimming pool, 4 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, guest bungalow, maid quarter and a nice garden in a very secure, children friendly environment only couple of minutes from Phuket International Academy.

WRITE YOUR CLASSIFIED FREE ONLINE: 189 CHARACTERS + 1 PICTURE Headline: ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ......

Body: ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ......

189 CHARACTERS

...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ......

Located only 10 minutes from airport, Grand Ao Por Marina, new Tesco Shopping center, 2 golf courses, Naiyang Beach, Thanyapura Sport & Leisure Center and international school, the Mission Heights Residence is a perfect place to live for families without traffic in a very peaceful, secure and natural surrounding.

Villa for Sale at Kathu: Overlooking golf course. Fully furnished. Land size 800sq metre. Living area 487sq metre. Large pool. four beds, four baths. Fully-fitted Western kitchen. Lifetime membership. B20 million. Call 087 222 4770.

THE SUNRISE OCEAN VILLAS

Allamanda (Laguna) Residences/Phuket: One Condo Unit, half of a deluxe twin house, fully furnished and equipped, set direct on the picturesque lagoon with balcony right over it. 3 Bedrooms each with shower/bathroom, roof terrace. Longterm rent or sale. 081 737 0365, utai pan@yahoo.com.

After a great success of the first phase, the Sunrise Ocean Villas is now starting to build the 8 other villas of "Phase2". The price of 17.9 million baht makes the project one of the most competitive on the island for being only 60m from the beach. Each villa has a living area of over 300 sqm, has 3 spacious bedrooms, all sea views, 5 bathrooms, a 10x4m infinity pool, maid's quar ter and a covered 2-car parking. The houses are specially designed to guarantee complete privacy, with an open panoramic view of the sea.

Land for sale: 6 rai beautiful hilltop land near Mission Hills golf club, was 4.2million baht per rai now drastically reduced to *B3.2 million per rai* for very quick sale. Full chanote, water/electric, office, sea/mountain views. Call 087 978 5804(Eng), stanjsmith25@yahoo.com

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The Villas currently under construction being built to highest western standard and are launched at only 13.9 million Baht for the first 3 houses. For appointment or more details contact project director, Khun Montha at 088 751 1750 or email mission_ heights@yahoo.com.

Come visit the villas and you will be wonder fully surprised by the quality of the project as well as the quality of life you can find here. For appointment or more details, contact the project director Khun Montha at 081 343 0777 (Thai, English & German) Email: thesunrisevillas@yahoo. com.

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Beach Front Plots: Located opposite Yacht Haven Marina in a very peaceful, natural environment. Ready to build, electricity and water on site, road and boat access. 2 Rai plots each with 60 metre of ocean frontage, perfect for living as well as investment. For sale direct from owner, price only B12 million. Call 081 343 0777.

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2012

CLASSIFIEDS 21

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PROPERTY IN PHUKET

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House in Phuket Town /Samkong 3 bedroom, 3 bathrooms: Semi detached house with large 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, large open living/dining area and entertainment deck outside. Large western kitchen with all appliances.

Rawai Pool Villa: Ph u ke t A p a r t m e n t Re sal e (PKS0 073): Oc ean Breeze Resor t & Suites. Phuket - West. Unit size 117sq metre. Legal Ownership: leasehold. Sale B6,500,000. Contact 076 239 967, see www.cbre.co.th.

Commercial Building for sale: Prime location in The Billion Plaza and main road to Patong. Building 80sqm + 6m of patio behind. 4 storey, 4 bathroom, chanote title. Sale by owner, price B13.8m. Email aew28325@ gmail.com, 081 807 9914.

Phuket-Surin Beach Area for Sale: Chanote title at Manik-township. 20x25 metre in natural surrounding, B2.6 million. Free design+construction permit. Phone 087 275 9621, email nuttapol_trateng@yahoo. com.

Rawai B eachf ront Pool Villa: Rawai Beach front pool villa for rent/sale.3 bed rooms,furnished. Contact Siriporn on 089 649 9939.

Unique three bedroom pool villa â&#x20AC;&#x153;off the planâ&#x20AC;?. In Rawai. Three easy payments over eight months build time. Over looking a peac eful, fish filled lake. Valued at B12,000,000 on completion. Save MILLIONS!! Contact 081 270 4291, email: thai landmls@gmail.com.

Villa Resort Style: Villa resort style six bedroom. Located in peaceful area South of Phuket, Rawai. This villa has been designed and furnished to the highest standards. Email mintra99@gmail.com.

Three bedroom house for sale: O n Land and House Park, Chalong. Gym, swimming pool and nice restaurant on site. Price reduced to sell quickly. Furnished or

Great area very conveniently located 5 minutes from all amenities including both international hospitals, Central festival, International schools and the centre of town. Selling due to relocation. Priced to sell at B4.3M including 4 air cons. and all modern style furniture. Nothing more to spend. Contact (English): 084 768 0536 or (Thai): 085 888 0502. unfurnished. Call 089 291 7078.

Pool Villa in Chalong: 3 0 0sq metre. Three bed rooms, four bathrooms, one western kitchen, one living room, private pool, two car parking. electric gate, fully furnished. Price: B10 million / Rent: B50,000. Call 081 539 7311 Th/Eng.

Land for Sale at Loch Palm Kathu: 20 Rai overlooking golf course with concrete access road and electric. Ready for building project. Call 087 888 4770.

Luxury Private Pool Villas: Brand new Bali style three and four bed villas, one km to Nai Harn Beach. High rental guaranteed investment. Prices from B12.9 million (include full furniture pkg). Enquiries sakt27@gmail.com, call +66 (0)87 897 4421.

S e avi ew L a n d Fo r Sale: Near Chalong Pier, 150 metres from the sea. Three rai and one ngan plot. Chanote title. Price: B25 million per rai. No agent. Call 087 278 7206

400sq metre Beautiful Land for Sale: In Soi Suksan, the land has views of the Nai Harn and Rawai mountains, and would be ideal for a family home. Ready to build. Quality western villas on the same soi. Contact 089 973 1180.

Condo in Phuket Town for Sale/Rent: New condo, one bed, fully-furnished, WiFi, maid service, sea view. Call 081 893 5188.

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2012

Fourth round sees table shake-up FOOTBALL SHAKERS WERE knocked off the top of the Super Six football league table last week in a fourth round filled with plenty of goals, exceptional comebacks and several heated moments. The first match in Division 1 saw Ristorante Rugantino face The Hulk, with both teams eager to bag the three points and lift them from the relegation zone early in the season. Rugantino were up 3-0 in the first half and looked like they were going to cruise through for a win. However, a st rong comeback by The Hulk saw them put four unanswered goals back and win their first game of the season 4-3. In a battle of the titans and the highlight of the round, Joy Dive gave Shakers FC their first loss of the season, knocking them off their perch at the top of the Division 1 table. You ngst e r Sa du l la Saipov scored a first-half stunner from a tight angle, and Joy Dive generally controlled the game for a deserved 2 – 0 win. Morning Star didn’t miss their opportunity to go top of table, securing a dominant 8-2 win over PSU Alumni. Morning Star were already up 7-1 in the first half, while in the second half they lost their pace and even saw a red card. Meanwhile, Nanai Boys were heading for their second win of the season, being 3-0 up at the break. Sweet Lemon, however, were having none of it, and after some slick passing and finishing, found themselves up 5-3 at final whistle. In Division 2, Atmanjai went down to Seduction 4-10 in a high scoring game, Thai Nee FC fell 2-6 to Phuket Serenity Villas, Puensil FC showed why they’re top of the table with a hard-fought 5-2 win over Vanilla FC, and Sumbala FC picked up their first win of the season against struggling Pluto Ice Cream 12-7 in an entertaining game which saw a massive 19 goals scored. For more information on the Super Six league, visit phuketfootball.com. The Phuket News is a league sponsor.

PHUKET SPORT 23

Phuket to host World Triathlon Series event TRIATHLON Tim Long editor@thephuketnews.com

L-R: Tri Augaradacha, Governor of Phuket; Bryan Lunt, Chariman and CEO of Title Sponsor, Absolute World Group; Jaray Jearanai, Race Ambassador and Thailand triathlon champion; and Chanchai Duangjit, Phuket Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

he world’s top triathletes are heading to Phuket next year for the first of the 2013 series of the ITU (International Triathlon Union) World Triathlon Long Distance Series. The event is expected to attract over 600 elite athletes. At a packed press conference on Monday morning, Phuket Governor Tri Augkaradacha proudly welcomed Bryan Lunt, Chairman of the Absolute

World Group, sponsors for the event. Bryan was delighted to bring the prestigious circuit to Phuket which he believed would showcase the island to “participants, families and friends, and to the world through dedicated TV broadcasts in more than 120 countries”. “This will be the start of our world 2013 series and we foreshadow a great growth for the event here. We are very proud to bring this race to Phuket,” he told The Phuket News. The Absolute Phuket ITU LD World Series Triathlon will take place over the weekend of

May 4-5, 2013. There will be a number of distances and race formats, with courses taking in much of the island’s southwest coast, with the open water swimming off Patong, the bike course heading south through Karon to the hills around Kata, and the running leg back at the beachfront in Patong. The winners will share world ranking points and prize money in excess of B1.3 million. For more details visit ituphukettriathlon.com. Registration opens online from November 1 this year.W

Dusit Thani holds 10th doubles tournament This year’s fundraising tournament was held at the tennis courts of Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket and the Banyan Tree Phuket, with all proceeds going towards purchasing essential items, sports equipment and stationery for students in neighbouring Krabi province. The winning men’s doubles team in the hoteliers’ category

TENNIS DUSIT THANI LAGUNA Phuket held its tenth charitable tennis doubles tournament last weekend (August 31 – September 2), drawing participants and spectators from the hospitality industry, as well as local Phuket residents.

was made up of Mr Thongchai Jai-Fu, sport supervisor of Movenpick Resort & Spa Karon Beach Phuket, and his doubles partner Mr Kriengsak Sae-Oui, owner of Phuket Andaman Tropical. Winning the men’s over 35s doubles in the general category were Mr Venich Singhakarn and Mr Somchai Rattanaphan.

SUPER SIX SOCCER Division 1

Team

L Goals GD

Morning Star

Pts 9

Shakers FC

Joy Dive FC

Sweet Lemon FC

Nanai Boys

-1

The Hulk

-2

Ristorante Rugantino

-5

PSU Alumni FC

-9

Division 2

Team

L Goals GD

Puensil FC

Pts 12

Phuket Serenity Villas

Pita Bar Phuketeers

Mr. Moo

Vanilla FC

-1

Sumbala FC

-1

Seduction

-1

Thai Nee FC

-11

Atmanjai

-11

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24 PHUKET SPORT

Laguna chase down Patong CRICKET Arch rivals Laguna and Patong met for the second time in the Outrigger T20 league on Sunday (September 2) at the ACG, with both sides looking to secure their third win from four matches to move clear at the top of the table. With Patong batting first after winning the toss, they managed a respectable 148 runs for the loss of seven wickets from their allotted 20 overs, thanks largely to a valuable 70run stand between Richard Desmond (21) and Manesh Sadarangani (49). Laguna also helped the Patong cause with 30 extras including 10 byes and 17 wides. However, Laguna managed to chase down the total scoring 151 runs from 19.5 overs, edging out their rivals with one ball to spare, with Ian Henry (8 not out) notching up the winning runs. Laguna now move clear at the top of the table on six points, followed by ICC and Patong on four points, while the Village is yet to get off the mark. This weekend’s action in the Outrigger T20 league will see the Village looking to register their first win in the competition against second placed ICC on Sunday (September 9). In other cricket news, the new senior league season will commence on Sunday, November 18. Anyone interested in joining a team or entering a full team should contact Martin Foster at clubaffairs@phuketcricketgroup. com

THE PHUKET NEWS

The science of running fast ATHLETICS Dane Halpin editor2@thephuketnews.com

or coach Guy Ogden, middle and long distance running “is not rocket science, but it is science”. And the 68-year-old knows a thing or two about science, given his background as a professional osteopath with over 25 years experience specialising in sports injury. The former British Masters National Cross Country Champion and European Masters 10k Road Champion was in Phuket last weekend, holding a running clinic at Thanyapura Sports and Leisure Centre (TSLC), and sharing some of his wisdom with The Phuket News. Ogden said one of the biggest challenges of coaching in Southeast Asia was adapting conventional coaching methods to the hot, humid climate. And having helped train the Vietnam national team in 2000 before moving to Singapore in 2006 to coach there, he now believes the climate is “a challenge, but not a barrier”. Indeed, he said traditional training techniques in this part of the world are virtually impos-

Guy Ogden (red shirt) leads last weekend’s coaching clinic at Thanyapura. sible, so he has been forced to make some radical, and at times controversial, adaptations. “I grew up in an age of very high volume endurance running, but it’s quite impossible to do that in Southeast Asia. “Instead, I turn it backwards. First it’s important to build the base...then you can do the long stuff. That way you don’t get injured, and it’s more enjoyable.” Ogden said it wouldn’t be unusual for his new students to not even attempt running long distances in their first few weeks

together until they can develop core strength and improve their running technique. To do this, he reduces the emphasis on high volume running and focuses on technical improvement by using slow motion analysis, on track video and slow motion feedback, and working out precise workouts on the track so people don’t waste time doing random ones. Doing this, he said, can make the small changes that amount to big differences over the course of a marathon. “For example, if you could

Photo: TSLC

reduce the contact time of the foot on the ground on each step by 15/1000 of a second, you can make an eight minute improvement on a marathon... and you can do that so easily by exercises like jumping and skipping. “That’s what I mean by non-running activities. Nonrunning activities can enhance the ability to run, and enhance the ability to support a training programme. “Just running won’t do it, that’s the message.” Ogden’s training methods

are not designed for Olympians or super-elite athletes, though he believes he can help anyone from the most amateur runner to the serious ones whose long distance times are “stuck”. “A lot of athletes, their race times are stuck, because their technique is poor, and their training is poor. “They think ‘I want to run a marathon, so the more I run the better’. It’s actually not true, unless you’re perfect, and you have perfect technique. In that case, you probably won’t be with us anyway, you’ll be running at the Olympics... but the average athlete and the athletes you see here in Phuket, these are the people who can benefit from what I offer.” And as for those who doubt his methods: “I welcome in a way the challenge of convincing athletes that this is the way to go... If they’re questioning, that means they’re thinking.” After all, while his techniques may be “counter-intuitive” in many respects, Ogden added: “The proof is in the results, as always.” For more information about Guy Ogden, visit athlonrunning.com. Also keep an eye on thanyapura.com to see when he will next visit Phuket.

Islanders claw back draw in Cat fight FOOTBALL Kazira Hans editor@thephuketnews.com

An injury to Korean midfielder Byeon Seung-Won couldn’t stop an Phuket FC fightback last Saturday (September 1) as they salvaged a draw with the ‘Swat Cats’ of Nakhon Ratchasima. Headed into the match, Phuket FC were sitting 10th in the table, while Nakhon Ratchasima were slightly higher at eighth. The Cats made the southbound journey to Phuket’s Surakul Stdium straight after

their FA Cup loss to SCG Muang Thong on Wednesday, with Brazilian head coach Reuther Moreira saying he was confident his side would bounce back and take home at least a point. Phuket FC head coach Narong ‘Noi’ Arjarayuth, meanwhile, had a tough time, with the Islanders missing three key players – Nene Bi, Wutthipong and Yutthana Jongnok had all picked up yellow cards in previous games and were suspended for the match. As expected, the Cats sent down their strongest team, including former SCG Muang

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2012

Thong striker Arnon Sungsranoi and striker Phrompng Kransamrong, known for his fast footwork. The Cats went on the early attack when Bani Abeiku curled a shot towards the Phuket goal, but goalkeeper Kampol Pathom-akkakul managed a diving save. A minute later it was Phuket’s first attempt on goal, with Watcharakorn Klaithin crossing in from the right corner to the waiting Roland Vargas, who volleyed straight into the hands of the Cats’ goalkeeper. The rest of first half saw frustration for both sides as

they attacked but couldn’t convert any chances. Phuket suffered a serious blow late in the first half though as Byeon Seung-Won was stretchered off and rushed to hospital after a heavy clash with a Cats player resulted in a deep gash to his eyebrow. He was later released after the doctor confirmed there was no serious concussion. The pace of the game picked up in the second half as the hosts pressed for the lead, but it was the visitors that scored first through Promphong Kransumrong. Now t railing, Phu ket maintained their focus, with

Poramat Krongborisut causing havoc up front, and eventually drawing a free kick just a few yards outside the penalty box. Nontapan Jeansatawong duly stepped up, sending his shot just inside the right post and past the outstretched gloves of the Cats’ goalie. It was Nontapan’s second free kick goal since joining the Islanders. For the rest of the game both teams tried to win the match, but in the end they were both forced to settle for a 1-1 draw. Phuket FC’s next game sees them go on the road against Air Force United in Rangsit this Saturday. Kickoff 4pm.

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2012

THAILAND SPORT

Rungroj Thainiyom takes Thailand’s first London gold PARALYMPICS LONDON 2012

hailand may not have brought home a gold at the Olympics, but our paralympic athletes have made up for it, bringing home the nation’s first gold medal from London. The man who did it was 25-yearold table-tennis star Rungroj Thainiyom, who stunned Spanish top seed Alvaro Valera (11-8, 11-8, 12-10) in

just 18 minutes to win the men’s singles class 6 table tennis title at the ExCel Arena in London. It was Thailand’s 10th gold medal in paralympic history, and the first from table tennis. “I’m so happy to win the gold medal for Thailand,” Rungroj told the Bangkok Post. “Before the match I was a bit worried because I played him [Alvaro] before and lost. But in a way, it was good because I didn’t have any pressure today.

“I had nothing to lose today; I was not expected to win, so I was relaxed. “I’m so happy I made it. This gold medal is for everyone back home.” Rungroj told the International Table Tennis Federation’s (ITTF) website: “My coach had a vision that if I shaved my hair, then Buddha would help me. So last night I shaved off all my hair and Buddha helped.” After the historic win, Rungroj dug into his bag to uncover a framed portrait of His Majesty Bhumibol

Adulyadej. “The photograph of the King of Thailand brought me luck,” Rungroj told the ITTF site. “I dedicate my victory to the king!” Rungroj will reportedly be rewarded with a B4 million cash incentive by the National Sports Development Fund. Meanwhile, Thailand’s most successful paralympic athlete, Prawat Wahoram, managed fifth in the final of the men’s 5000m wheel-chair race.

Thai graduate in dramatic KO win MARTIAL ARTS

Sven Goram Eriksson. Photo: Vinod Divakaran

Eriksson joins Thai Premier League football FOOTBALL Agence France-Presse

James Goyder editor@thephuketnews.com

THAI MIXED MARTIAL artist Shannon Wiratchai upset the odds to score a dramatic and unexpected KO win over American Mitch Chilson at ONE Fighting Championship: ‘Pride of a Nation’ in Manila. The 23-year-old survived a first round onslaught from his much more experienced opponent before dropping him with a perfectly timed left hook and finishing him with a soccer kick to the face early in round two. Wiratchai, a university graduate who speaks three different languages, has emerged as the poster boy for MMA in Thailand. He made his debut fighting for DARE Championship just over a year ago, and with this win his professional record improves to 3-0. The Sports Authority of Thailand announced earlier this year that MMA was not regulated and therefore promoters were no longer permitted to put on events in the country. While the news was a setback to an aspiring young fighter like Wiratchai, it did not deter him from continuing to train in the hope that an opportunity would one day arise. That chance came along when he got the call to go up against Chilson at ONE Fighting Championship: ‘Pride of a Nation’ which was the biggest MMA event to ever be held in the Philippines and took place in the same venue that Ali and Frazier contested the famous ‘Thriller in Manila’. Wiratchai was the underdog against the more ex-

Shannon Wiratchai, left, survived a first-round onslaught from Mitch Chilson, right, to win by KO. Photo: James Goyder. perienced American, but he pulled off a major upset when he dropped him with a perfectly timed hook early in the second round. The Thai fighter has spent the first five minutes on his back eating elbows after Chilson took him down and looked to rough him up with some strikes from on top. Undeterred he came out swinging after the break and settled the contest in spectacular style with a punch which dropped a dazed Chilson to his knees. For Wiratchai it was a fantastic moment and a vindication of his decision to persist with his training despite not knowing whether he would ever be able to fight again. “I am very happy to win because Mitch is a good fighter and he was winning

the first round. I trained very hard for this fight at Tiger Muay Thai in Phuket and there were 15,000 people in the stadium so it was a very good feeling.” The only disappointment for Wiratchai is that he is unlikely to get the chance to fight in Thailand again for

a while. But he can console himself with the prospect of competing all over Asia for ONE FC. For the time being he is just happy to enjoy the most impressive performance of his MMA career. “I am sorry I cannot fight in Thailand and I think the SAT is wrong to ban MMA

because the sport is not brutal and the fighters have a lot of skill. “In the future I hope to fight in my homeland again but I want Thai people to watch my ONE FC fights on ESPN Star Sports so that they can see that MMA is a very good sport.”

FOR MER ENGLAND manager Sven-Goran Eriksson is moving to Thailand to become technical director of Premier League side BEC Tero Sasana, the club announced on Monday. The 64-year-old Swede will supervise training sessions and work on the strategy of the Bangkokbased club, Belgian coach Robert Procureur told a press conference. The salary was not disclosed. His initial contract runs until the end of the current season, which finishes next month. Eriksson, England’s first foreign head coach from 2001 to 2006, said he hoped to help raise Thai football standards. “I don’t know what other people think but I decide to take this job. If I can help it will be good,” he said. “It is my first time in Asia and I am very excited to see the games.” Since leaving the England job, Eriksson has had unsuccessful spells at Manchester City and Mexico, among others.

thephuketnews.com

26 WORLD SPORT

THE PHUKET NEWS

IN BRIEF Lions boss Gatland ready for ‘hell of a challenge’ Warren Gatland said he was ready for a “hell of a challenge” after being appointed head coach of the British and Irish Lions for next year’s tour of Australia. The New Zealander, currently coach of Wales, will be looking to lead the Lions – a combined side made up of players from England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland – to their first Test series win in 16 years following their 1997 success in South Africa.

China boss blames state training for Li Na’s ‘collapse’ China’s tennis chief has blamed Li Na’s failure to build on her stunning 2011 French Open victory on a lack of mental strength following her rigid stateorganised training, according to a domestic report. Sun Jinfang said the world number eight, who crashed out of the US Open in the third round on Friday, was prone to breaking down on court, blaming this on the fact she had focused purely on sport from an early age.

thephuketnews.com

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2012

PREMIER LEAGUE PREDICTIONS: ROUND 3

100 for Van Persie in Fergie’s 1000th FOOTBALL

n the third round of Premier League matches – the first after the transfer deadline – Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson celebrated his 1000th league game in charge in true Fergie fashion. At Southampton’s St Mary’s stadium, Rickie Lambert scored one and set up another as the home side led United 2-1 midway through the second half, following an earlier Robin van Persie strike. From then on though it was all about RVP. First the £24m striker fluffed a chance to equalise when his chipped penalty was easily saved by Southampton’s Kelvin Davis. But the deadly Dutchman then tapped in his and United’s second to level the game, and headed in a 92nd minute winner to secure three points. The hat-trick bought up 100 league goals for Van Persie, in the 1000th league game for his new manager. Meanwh ile, A rsenal

Fergie: 1000 games. showed no signs of missing their former star as they clicked into gear at Anfield; new boys Lukas Podolski and Santi Cazorla both got on the scoresheet as the Gunners beat Liverpool 2-0. Arsenal are yet to concede a goal in their start to the season. Meanwhile, a rejuvenated Carlos Tevez inspired Manchester City to a 3-1 victory over Queens Park Rangers on Saturday, moving the defending champions to within two points of early pacesetters Chelsea. The Argentina forward also

set up the other two goals for Yaya Toure and Edin Dzeko, as the team joined surprise packages West Brom and Swansea on seven points from three games. The misery continues, however, for Tottenham and its manager Andre Villas-Boas, who is still searching for the first league win at his new club after a disappointing 1-1 home draw against Norwich on Saturday. Swansea missed the chance to climb to the summit by drawing 2-2 with Sunderland, needing Michu’s fourth goal of the season to salvage a point. West Brom beat Everton 2-0 to go third on goal difference behind Swansea and ahead of City, while West Ham eased past Fulham 3-0 following an encouraging debut from Andy Carroll after his loan move from Liverpool. In The Phuket News tipping competition, ‘tim at acorn’ has taken a commanding lead as the field starts to spread out, while defending champion

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‘gafferworld’ has dropped out of the top ten for the first time in more than 12 months. The winner of this month’s competition will win a B3,000 voucher to spend at Angus O’Tools in Karon. The overall

1. tim at acorn 2. AAY 3. Clare Bolzon 4. suncat100 5. apollo131 6. diggersd 7. zestrealestate 8. AuPaddy 9. kip 10. madmitch

66 60 60 60 57 57 57 55 54 54

winner at the end of the year will a brand new Honda Scoopy i courtesy of AP Honda. The Premier League takes a break this weekend, with the next match on September 15.

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2012

WORLD SPORT 27

Upset Ronaldo insists Science is unclear it’s not about the money over Pistorius claims FOOTBALL Agence France-Presse

ristiano Ronaldo has insisted his complaint about being glum at Real Madrid is not a ploy to get more money out of the club. The 27-year-old forward sparked a global media storm when he confessed to being

Cristiano Ronaldo.

English Premier League Team

half of that of Cameroonian Samuel Eto’o at Russian team Anzhi Makhachkala, “I am accused of wanting more money, but one day it will be shown that this is not the case,” he said. The key Real Madrid player said he wanted to guarantee fans that his “motivation, dedication, commitment and desire to win all competitions” would not suffer.

French Ligue 1

LONDON 2012 Agence France-Presse

THE INTERNATIONAL Paralympic Committee has defended its policy on artificial running blades for amputee athletes, but admitted that the rules may still need to be looked at, after beaten Paralympic champion Oscar

Spanish Primera Liga

Pts

Chelsea

Marseille

Barcelona

Swansea City

Olympique Lyonnais

Mallorca

West Brom

Lorient

Málaga

Manchester City

Bordeaux

Rayo Vallecano

Manchester United

Toulouse

Real Valladolid

Everton

Valenciennes

Deportivo

West Ham United

Saint-Étienne

Sevilla

Arsenal

PSG

Getafe

Wigan Athletic

Bastia

Atlético Madrid

Newcastle United

Brest

Levante

Fulham

Lille

Real Madrid

Stoke City

Ajaccio

Real Betis

Sunderland

Montpellier

Real Sociedad

Tottenham Hotspur

Reims

Real Zaragoza

Norwich City

Nancy

Celta de Vigo

Reading

Nice

Athletic Club

Aston Villa

Rennes

Valencia

Liverpool

Evian TG

Granada

QPR

Troyes

Espanyol

Southampton

Sochaux

Osasuna

3-0 2-2 1-1 2-0 2-2

Fulham Sunderland Norwich Everton Stoke

Man City Liverpool Newcastle Southampton

3-1 0-2 1-1 2-3

Live Sports TV Schedule

CHANNEL GUIDE

1XX - True Visions; 8XX – Astro; 8 – Setanta

*Times may be subject to change

CHANNEL START END

SPORT

QPR Arsenal Aston Villa Man Utd

EVENT

TEAMS / INFO

Friday, September 7 816, 107

16:30

18:30

Rugby League

NRL

Bulldogs v. Sea Eagles

521

16:30

19:30

Aussie Rules

AFL

Hawthorn v. Collingwood

816, 104

22:00

04:00

Tennis

US Open

Day 12, Flushing Meadows

Saturday, September 8 816, 107

14:30

16:30

Rugby Union

Rugby Championship

New Zealand v. Argentina

816, 107

17:30

19:30

Rugby Union

Rugby Australia v. South Africa Championship

107

20:10

22:15

Rugby Union

Aviva Premiership

Bath v. Wasps

107

22:25

00:25

Rugby Union

Aviva Premiership

Sale v. Saracens

521

10:30

13:30

Aussie Rules

AFL

Geelong v. Fremantle

816, 107

14:30

16:30

Rugby League

NRL

Storm v. Rabbitohs

816, 107

16:30

18:30

Rugby League

NRL

Cowboys v. Broncos

813, 109

18:50

20:30

Motor Racing

Formula 1

Qualifying, Monza

816, 104

22:00

04:00

Tennis

US Open

Day 13 Flushing Meadows

Team

Pistorius questioned the validity of his rivals’ prostheses. Pistorius said he had been at a disadvantage in terms of leg length after losing his T44 200m crown on Sunday. The said the rules, designed to ensure artificial limbs are proportional to an athlete’s body, were “the best system in place and to the confidence and satisfaction of all involved”.

PARALYMPICS

RESULTS West Ham Swansea Tottenham West Brom Wigan

MP W

“sad” at Real Madrid, explaining why he did not celebrate either goal after snatching a brace in Madrid’s 3-0 win over Granada on Sunday. Many papers accused him of trying to leverage more money out of Real Madrid. Spain’s top selling sports paper Marca said his salary was 10 million euros (B400 million) a year, putting him 10th on the world list earning

RESULTS Lyonnais Ajaccio Lorient Sochaux Bastia

MP W

3-2 2-0 3-0 1-3 0-3

Valenciennes Evian TG Nancy Montpellier Saint-Étienne

Brest Toulouse Bordeaux Marseille Lille

2-1 1-1 1-1 3-1 1-2

Troyes Reims Nice Rennes PSG

AFL

Team

MP W

RESULTS Celta de Vigo Real Zaragoza Deportivo Mallorca Rayo Vallecano

2-0 0-1 1-1 1-0 0-0

Osasuna Málaga Getafe Real Sociedad Sevilla

Athletic Club Levante Real Madrid Barcelona

2-0 3-2 3-0 1-0

Real Valladolid Espanyol Granada Valencia

NRL P W D

Team Hawthorn

2679 1733

155

% Pts 68

Adelaide Crows

2428 1833

132

Sydney Swans

2290 1629

141

Collingwood

2123 1823

116

West Coast Eagles

2244 1807

124

Geelong Cats

2209 1886

117

Fremantle

1956 1691

116

North Melbourne

2359 2097

112

St Kilda

10 2347 1903

123

Carlton

11 2079 1925

108

Essendon

11 2091 2090

100

Richmond

11 2169 1943

112

Brisbane Lions

12 1904 2092

Team

Pts

Bulldogs

568

369

Storm

579

361

Rabbitohs

559

438

Sea Eagles

497

403

Cowboys

597

445

Raiders

545

536

Sharks

445

441

Broncos

481

447

Dragons

405

438

Tigers

506

551

Titans

449

477

Knights

448

488

Port Adelaide

16 1691 2144

Western Bulldogs

17 1542 2301

Roosters

462

626

Melbourne

18 1580 2341

Warriors

497

609

Gold Coast Suns

19 1509 2481

Panthers

409

575

GWS Giants

20 1270 2751

Eels

431

674

RESULTS Carlton Richmond Brisbane Geelong Adelaide

12.19 (91) – 16.10 (106) St Kilda 16.10 (106) –16.10 (106) Port Adelaide 19.14 (128) – 9.7 (61) Bulldogs 17.10 (112) – 11.12 (78) Sydney 22.21 (153) – 9.8 (62) Gold Coast

GWS Giants Essendon Fremantle Hawthorn

11.11 (77) – 16.9 (105) 10.12 (72) – 14.20 (104) 14.17 (101) – 5.10 (40) 14.11 (95) – 10.10 (70)

N Melbourne Collingwood Melbourne West Coast

RESULTS Eels Sharks Warriors Titans

8 – 29 22 – 36 22 – 42 16 – 24

Dragons Cowboys Raiders Sea Eagles

Tigers Bulldogs Knights Broncos

6 – 26 42 – 10 6 – 18 19 – 12

Storm Roosters Rabbitohs Panthers

Sunday, September 9 813, 109

18:00

18:45

Motor Racing

Formula 1

Raceday, Monza

813, 109

18:45

21:30

Motor Racing

Formula 1

Italian Grand Prix

521

10:00

13:00

Aussie Rules

AFL

West Coast Eagles v. North Melbourne

816, 107

12:00

13:50

Rugby League

NRL

Raiders v. Sharks

816, 104

22:00

TBC

Tennis

US Open

Day 14, Flushing Meadows

thephuketnews.com

THE PHUKET NEWS

SPORT

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2012

Running man

Why you might be taking the wrong approach to your long distance training > 24

Dane Halpin editor2@thephuketnews.com

CRUNCH MATCH Cooper’s back, but can Australia get their first Championship points? STANDINGS New Zealand All Blacks

South Africa Springboks

Argentina Pumas

Australia Wallabies

RUGBY The Phuket News / AFP

s the Rugby Championship enters its second stage this weekend, all eyes will be on Australia and competition newcomers Argentina as they play to stay alive in the competition. But are they up to the task?

AUSTRALIA Australia believe they are much closer to producing a big win than their two recent losses to New Zealand suggest. And with the struggling side now sitting bottom of the Rugby Championship table – below even newcomers Argentina – they desperately need a big performance to keep alive their competition ambitions. Speaking ahead of his team’s Round Three Rugby Championship encounter with South Africa in Perth tomorrow (September 8), veteran lock Nathan Sharpe pointed to the “small margins” that existed in their 19-29 (in Sydney) and 0-22 (in Auckland) defeats against the All Blacks.

thephuketnews.com

Australian flyhalf Quade Cooper. Photo: AFP

Sharpe told a media scrum in Perth that “small adjustments” will make a “big difference” when they take on the Springboks. In an attacking boost for the green and golds’ backline, Kurtley Beale has been recalled to the starting lineup in a game that will also see Stephen Moore become the most capped hooker in Australian Test history. Under-fire Australian coach Robbie Deans also handed attacking talent Dominic Shipperley a debut on the wing. The 21-year-old boasts exceptional pace and Deans, who is under pressure to turn around the Wallabies’ fortunes or face the sack, will hope he can inject some urgency into a team humiliated 22-0 by the All Blacks at Eden Park. With the versatile Adam Ashley-Cooper reverting to centre for the 30th time in his now 69-Test career, Beale is back in the starting 15 after being benched for the last match. “He’s in a better space. I don’t think you’ll see a performance like that from Kurtley again,” Deans said in reference to Beale’s error-strewn

showing in the opening Rugby Championship clash against New Zealand in Sydney. “He’s too good a player for a repeat of that.” The mercurial Quade Cooper was also included in the side, with the flyhalf recovering from a small leg-bone fracture. But it’s not all good news – as expected, winger Drew Mitchell was ruled out with a ruptured ankle tendon. Among others missing through injury are David Pocock, James Horwill, James O’Connor, Sekope Kepu, Wycliff Palu, Pat McCabe and Ben McCalman. Wallaby coach Deans won’t be the only one under pressure though.

SOUTH AFRICA South Africa coach Heyneke Meyer is also desperate to silence critics after the public and media turned on him following a undeserved 16-16 draw away to newcomers Argentina last weekend. Meyer has gambled with some odd selection choices, naming uncapped Johan Goosen and Duane Vermeulen in his squad for the away Tests against Australia and New

Zealand. Fly-half Goosen and No 8 Vermeulen have just returned to Currie Cup action after long injury lay-offs and respective coaches Naka Drotske of Cheetahs and Allister Coetzee of Stormers believe they are not ready for Test action. South Africa have poor away records against the Wallabies and the All Blacks and Meyer has added four players and axed two from the squad that travelled to Argentina.

ARGENTINA Meanwhile, in the other weekend match, Argentina winger Gonzalo Camacho said his team were feeling confident ahead of their crucial match against the All Blacks. “It’s the most important tournament in the history of rugby in Argentina,” he said. After being for so long the only team in the top echelon of world rugby without a home – the northern superpowers had the Six Nations, and Sanzar its Tri-Nations – the worthy Pumas have at last been invited to dine at the top table. And tomorrow, they face the world’s top team. The Pumas have been

bolstered by the return of first choice fly-half Juan Martin Hernandez and flanker Juan Manuel Leguizamon. The return of Hernandez and the inclusion of 35-Test openside flanker Leguizamon are the only changes to the Pumas side that drew with South Africa 16-16 in Mendoza two weeks ago. Playmaker Hernandez, who was a late withdrawal from that match because of a hamstring injury, replaces Bordeaux’s Nicolas Sanchez and Leguizamon comes in the side for Alvaro Galindo. Leguizamon was sidelined by a stomach injury for Argentina’s first championship matches and his last Test appearance was when Argentina lost 33-10 to the All Blacks in the World Cup quarter-finals last year. He forms part of an experienced Argentine forward pack which includes prop Rodrigo Roncero, lock Patricio Albacete and captain and backrower Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe. Argentina are being assisted in their preparations for this match by former All Blacks coach Graham Henry

who is helping with the development of Argentine rugby. Although Henry is encouraging Argentina to play a more expansive game they are expected to stick with their traditional style of a rugged forward confrontation.

NEW ZEALAND The All Blacks were due to name their squad yesterday (August 6), after The Phuket News went to print, though it’s unlikely they’ll make many changes to the team that dominated Australia two weeks ago. One of the biggest questions surrounds not the players, but former All Blacks coach Graham Henry. Henry now serves as an assistant to the Pumas team, but his NZRU contract prohibits him from being part of the Pumas’ coaching staff for their matches against New Zealand during the 2012 Rugby Championship. Henry has said he still hasn’t decided whether he will sit in the Argentina coaching box during the match, but whatever happens, it will add a nice little rivalry into what could potentially be a very one-sided game.